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Box ScoreTSU men's basketball rode a roller coaster of emotions in its season opener as they fell 67-58 to Southern on Saturday inside the H&PE Arena.
TSU came out strong as they opened the first half 5-of-9 as four players would score en route to a 15-7 lead within the first seven minutes. Defensively, TSU held SU to only two field goals while forcing three turnovers.
After strong start, the bottom would fall out for the Tigers as Southern reversed course and went on a 19-0 run to claim a 26-15 lead as TSU went nine minutes without a basket during a 0-for-13 drought. By the time the dust settled, TSU was down 26-15 until two Kavion McClain free throws drew them to within 26-17 with 1:23 left. TSU would outscore SU 6-4 to close out the half down 29-21.
The Jaguars opened the second half with another big run as they had a 19-4 surge during the first 6:01. However, the Tigers finally fought themselves out of their early funk with a 19-2 run which energized the crowd and cut the deficit to 50-46 after Zaire Hayes' free throw. During the run, TSU rode the hot hand of Jaylin Jackson-Posey with nine points followed by six from Hayes. TSU also set the tone defensively as they forced five SU turnovers during the run.
Down 50-46, TSU had a chance to draw closer but missed two short attempts at the basket. SU would answer with a trey to move ahead 53-46 followed by two free throws to lead 55-46. TSU would get it down to seven points on several occasions from that point but couldn't get over the hump as SU closed out the game with the win.
Hayes led TSU with 19 followed by 11 from Duane Posey. Kenny Hunter grabbed seven rebounds and blocked two shots.
TSU is back in action Monday night at 8 p.m. against Grambling State live on ESPNU.
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Source: https://tsusports.com/news/2025/1/4/mens-basketball-tigers-drop-emotional-season-opener.aspx