PHOENIX, Ariz. – Texas Southern opened the 2026-27 men's basketball season and Corey Lowery era with a 103-79 setback to Grand Canyon on Monday night inside Global Credit Union Arena.

Texas Southern shot 50 percent from the field during the opening half and remained competitive throughout the early stages as the lead changed hands eight times. Down 29-28, TSU found itself on the wrong end of a 17-4 surge during a five minute span which saw GCU extend its lead to 46-32 with 1:49 remaining. Ahmed Nedal scored four points over the next 26 seconds to end the run and cut the deficit to 46-37 as GSU would ultimately build a 48-37 halftime lead.

The Tigers scored 42 points in the second half and drew to as close as 10 points following Phoenix native Jason Kimbrough's three-pointer at the 11:07 mark. However, GCU answered with an 11-3 run for a 78-60 lead which TSU was unable to overcome.

Karris Bilal led Texas Southern with 15 points, including nine free throws, while Jason Kimbrough Jr. followed with 14 points, three assists and three steals. Xander Wedlow added 10 points off the bench, while Ahmed Nedal finished with eight points. Ben Vungo led the Tigers with seven rebounds and added seven points and two blocked shots. Kehlin Farooq contributed six points and six rebounds.

Texas Southern finished shooting 42.4 percent (25-of-59) from the field and 25 percent (4-of-16) from three-point range. The Tigers converted 25-of-40 free throws and scored 38 points in the paint.

TSU is ack in action on Friday at LSU for a 7 p.m. tip.