HOUSTON — Texas Southern turned a tight first half into a statement win Saturday, pulling away from Arkansas-Pine Bluff for an 80-57 victory in H&PE Arena.
The Tigers set the tone early with energy and pace. After falling behind 2-0, TSU answered with a flurry — Jordyn Marshall knocked down a pull-up jumper and then buried a three to ignite a 12-1 run. Daeja Holmes added a fast-break layup off a steal, and Taliyah Logwood cut through the lane for a driving finish. By the end of the first quarter, TSU led 22-12 and had the crowd buzzing.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff fought back in the second quarter, trimming the lead to single digits, but Marshall wasn't done. She hit back-to-back threes, including one from deep, and Logwood powered in a layup to keep the Tigers in control. Fenishka Bertho's bucket off a turnover pushed the margin back to 15 before halftime, where TSU held a 39-32 advantage.
The third quarter was all Texas Southern. Holmes opened the frame with a smooth jumper, and Marshall splashed another three to stretch the lead. Logwood converted a pair of free throws and finished a fast-break layup, then Da'Myiah Lewis scored off a steal to cap a dominant stretch. TSU outscored UAPB 19-8 in the period and entered the fourth with an 18-point cushion.
From there, they did not let up. Ayanna Jackson scored inside, Malaya LeSueur finished in transition, and Marshall continued her takeover — hitting a jumper, sinking free throws, and adding another layup. Holmes drilled a three-pointer midway through the quarter to punctuate a 10-0 run. TSU's lead ballooned to 26 points before the final horn.
Marshall finished with a game-high 29 points, going 5-for-8 from beyond the arc and perfect on eight free throws. Logwood added 15 points and six rebounds, while Holmes chipped in 14 points and six assists. TSU dominated the paint with 34 points, controlled the glass, and turned defense into offense with 16 fast-break points.
Texas Southern heads to Mississippi to face Jackson State in its next SWAC matchup on Thursday, January 15, at 6 pm.
