Box Score TSU 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hayes led TSU with 19 followed by 11 from Duane Posey. Kenny Hunter grabbed seven rebounds and blocked two shots.
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TSU is back in action Monday night at 8 p.m. against Grambling State live on ESPNU.
