Baton Rouge, LA ---The Grambling State Tigers basketball team gave a gutsy performance tonight but came up on the short end in a, 73-67, loss to the Jaguars of Southern University.

 

After conceding the first points of the game the Tigers pushed ahead for an early lead and took control at 13-7 at the 14:56 mark. However, the Jaguars fueled by exceptional bench play chipped their way back into the game and retook the lead, 23-21, on a Quinton Doggett jump shot with 10:13 remaining in the half and pulled away for a 42-31 lead at the break.

 

Grambling struggled on the boards in the first half being out rebounded 21-13; while Southern's bench outscored GSU 15-3.

 

The second half would see Grambling claw back into the game and take the lead 57-56 with 8:55 remaining on a Lance Fuertado fast break lay-up. After several basket exchanges the Jaguars retook the lead, 63-62, on an Earnest Jones free throw and inevitably pulled away as the Tigers despite an all out performance ran out of gas.

 

Fuertado led all scorers with 26 points. George Akpele poured in 16 points and six rebounds; while Kevin Lloyd added eight points, five rebounds and a pair of assists and steals. Donald Qualls added nine points.

 

For the Jaguars, Jones had a team high 18 points with seven rebounds. Norm Nixon Turned in 16 points and eight rebounds; while Doug Scott added nine points and seven rebounds.

 

The Tigers will return to action Monday night as they remain on the road at Alcorn State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm.