HOUSTON, Texas (Men's basketball) – Coach Shawn Walker and the Grambling State University men's basketball traveled to Houston for a head-to-head match-up with Texas Southern University (8-9, 4-0 SWAC) on Saturday. The Tigers fought valiantly but were defeated 76-55.

With the loss, Grambling drops to 7-11, overall, and 2-3 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

In the first half, GSU was outscored in the paint 32-14 by Texas Southern. The team was 32.1 percent from the field, 20 percent from three point range, and 83.3 percent from the free throw line.

For the second half of play, the Tigers came out with a fire but to no avail. Grambling wouldn't be able to withstand the offensive juggernaut of TSU.

Grambling's Nigel Ribiero, Ervin Mitchell, and Ivy Smith each accounted for 12 points. Avery Ugba was the rebound leader with eight boards. The team was 33.9 percent from the field, 18.2 percent from the arc, and 75 percent from the stripe.

Texas Southern had five scorers in the double digits. Marvin Jones led the way with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. He also accumulated a team high five blocks. Jalan McCloud recorded three steals. The team was 51 percent from the field, 27.3 percent from three point range, and 76.7 percent from the free throw line.

Grambling will continue on their road trip to Houston with a stop at Prairie View A&M University on Monday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.