Tigers' comeback at Pine Bluff comes up short in 90-86 setback

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The Tigers of Texas Southern University saw their second-half comeback attempt come up short Saturday as they fell 90-86 at Arkansas–Pine Bluff.
 
Jeremy Combs scored a game-high 30 points and pulled in nine rebounds, while Devocio Butler chipped in 20 points to lead the Tigers (8-11), who fell to 3-3 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.
 
Jalyn Patterson scored 11 points for the Tigers, followed by John Jones, who added 10 points for TSU. Martaveous McKnight led Arkansas–Pine Bluff (6-13, 4-2 SWAC) with 30 points.
 
The host Golden Lions led by as many as 25 points when Terrance Banyard converted a layup to give the home team a 62-37 lead. From there, the Tigers proceeded to chip away at the deficit, outscoring Pine Bluff 37-15 over the next 10 minutes.
 
TSU's rally was enhanced with 13 unanswered points between the 7:06 and 3:49 marks of the second half to cut Pine Bluff's lead to 77-74. Combs scored seven points during the run.
 
The Tigers would make it a one-possession game four more times throughout the remainder of the game but could not fully erase the lead.
 
The Golden Lions helped build their lead in the game by shooting 56 percent (10 of 18) from 3-point range. Meanwhile, the Tigers struggled from 3-point range, shooting 22 percent (4 of 18) from the arc.
 
TSU fought its way back into the game by shooting 38 free throws, making 26 of them (68.4 percent).
 
The Tigers return to action Monday when they visit Mississippi Valley State. Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.