DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Texas Southern struck first and stayed within striking distance throughout, but Bethune‑Cookman used timely shooting and late free throws to hold off the Tigers, 69–64, Thursday night at Moore Gymnasium.
Texas Southern opened the game aggressively inside, with Taliyah Logwood scoring early off an offensive rebound to give the Tigers an early edge. The Tigers briefly led by four midway through the first quarter before Bethune‑Cookman answered with perimeter shooting and transition baskets to close the period on a 12–5 run and take a 20–15 lead after one quarter.
The second quarter featured back‑and‑forth play as Texas Southern settled into its offensive rhythm. Ayanna Jackson converted a three‑point play early in the period, and Logwood continued to attack the paint, scoring multiple times on drives and second‑chance opportunities. The Tigers shot better than 56 percent in the quarter and twice pulled within two points, but Bethune‑Cookman connected on late jumpers to maintain a narrow 41–36 halftime advantage.
Bethune‑Cookman created separation in the third quarter, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and fast‑break chances to build its largest lead of the night. Texas Southern struggled to find consistency from the field in the period, shooting just 4‑of‑18, while Bethune‑Cookman pushed the margin to double digits late in the quarter. A three in the final seconds gave the Wildcats a 56–46 lead heading into the fourth.
Texas Southern responded with its strongest stretch of the night in the final quarter. The Tigers opened the period with renewed defensive pressure and efficient scoring in the paint. Jackson scored off an offensive rebound, Malaya LeSueur finished inside, and Daeja Holmes converted off a turnover as Texas Southern chipped away at the deficit.
The Tigers held Bethune‑Cookman scoreless for nearly four minutes and used a 12–4 run to erase the gap. Holmes' layup at the 5:05 mark capped the surge and tied the game at 58, shifting momentum firmly to Texas Southern.
Bethune‑Cookman answered with a three‑pointer to regain the lead, but Texas Southern continued to battle. Logwood scored on a fast‑break layup and later knocked down two free throws in the final minute to cut the margin to two. The Tigers forced turnovers and had chances to pull even again, but Bethune‑Cookman closed the game from the free‑throw line in the final seconds to secure the 69–64 decision.
Logwood led Texas Southern with 21 points, while Holmes added 11 points off the bench. The Tigers finished with a 36–16 advantage in points in the paint and outscored Bethune‑Cookman 18–13 in the fourth quarter, underscoring their late push despite the outcome.
