The Grambling State University Tigers (6-16, 3-7 SWAC) tried to win on their home court, but struggled to defend the Southern University Jaguars (16-7, 8-2 SWAC) as they were defeated 79-66.

In the first half, the Tigers shot 35.7% from the field while the Jaguars shot an impressive 50% from the field and from three-point range. The Tigers struggled with defense, giving up 3-pointers to Southern guards Trelun Banks and Adrian Rodgers, who converted five of the team's 12 3-pointers by the half. Rodgers led with 12 points. GSU guard Ervin Mitchell led the Tigers with eight points as the Tigers ended the half down by 6.

During the second half of the game, the Tigers could not contend against the Jaguars as they continued in an excellent night of shooting.  The Jaguars ended the game shooting 51% from the field. The Tigers gave up 25 points due to turnovers. Rodgers finished the game with a career-high 30 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Banks added 18 points and two steals.

GSU guard Ervin Mitchell lead the Tigers with 26 points and 4 rebounds. Forward Deonte Hearns contributed 15 points and four steals. Nigel Ribeiro finished with 10 points and five rebounds.

According to GSU head coach Shawn Walker, the Tigers have to take care of the ball better, get back on defense and offer more resistance.

"In large part we are playing against them, but they are not playing against us," said Walker. "We're not challenging them enough."

The Grambling State Tigers compete again Monday (February 8) against Alcorn State University (8-12, 6-3 SWAC) at 7:30 p.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center at Grambling State University.