LORMAN, Miss. – Texas Southern won its second straight SWAC contest by a 72-71 margin after a wild finish at Alcorn State on Saturday afternoon.
The second half saw a total of six lead changes between both teams as four occurred within the final 5:45. With 3:32 left, Bryce Roberts nailed a three-pointer at the top of the key for a 67-65 lead. After a pair of missed three-pointers by both teams, TSU would move ahead 69-65 as Alex Anderson drove the lane for a critical layup. Alcorn State would emerge out of a timeout and cut it to a one-possession (69-67) game after a dunk but Anderson drew a foul on the ensuing possession as he hit 1-of-2 free throws for a 70-67 margin with 1:26 left.
Alcorn State refused to go away as they converted another dunk with 1:14 left but TSU appeared to land a dagger with a three-pointer but the play was called off due to a shot clock violation. Alcorn State turned the ball over on its next possession and the Braves quickly sent TSU to the free throw line in order to extend the game. TSU had two opportunities to make it a two-possession game within a 15-second span but missed a combined four free throws which gave ASU a new lease on life.
With 9.6 seconds left, ASU drew a foul and hit both free throws to claim a 71-70 lead. On the final possession, TSU missed the initial game-winning attempt but Anderson fought his way into the paint for the offensive rebound and drew a foul as time expired. The officiating crew initially ruled the contest over but head coach Johnny Jones initiated a review which led to the crew adding .4 tenths of a second back on the clock and the potential game-winning or tying free throws from Anderson.
Anderson would redeem himself with the game on the line with two free throws for a big win as TSU won its third straight game in Lorman, Miss. and second straight on the season.
TSU would lead by as much as seven early in the first half but ASU fought back and regained the lead after a 24-9 surge for a 32-24 lead with 4:07 left. The Tigers would regroup and end the first half on a 10-0 run capped off by Zaire Hayes' five points.
Roberts led TSU with 20 points followed by 19 from Anderson and 16 from Troy Hupstead. Hupstead led the team with seven rebounds and three assists while Roberts and Hayes both had two steals.
The road trip ends Monday night at Jackson State for a 7 p.m. tip.
