Grambling, La. (Men's basketball) - The Grambling State University Tiger men's basketball dropped their home conference opener, 87-79, to arch rival the Southern University Jaguars on Saturday evening. The loss was the Tigers first lost at home this season.
Remond Brown and Ervin Mitchell were the only Tigers (6-10, 1-2 SWAC) with double digit point totals. Brown ended with 24 points and Mitchell 21 points. Nigel Ribero added nine points with three triples, he finished 3-of-4 from deep.

Grambling State trailed by 14 points before they started chipping away. With Southern (6-10, 1-2 SWAC) leading 21-7, Brown helped his team making a 3-pointer from the right corner. On the Tigers, next possession Marcel Thompson made a 3-pointer from the left corner, Ivy Smith was credited with the no look assist, Southern led 23-13.

Brown stole a Jaguar pass and was fouled, resulting in two made free throws. Thompson again made a 3-pointer from the left corner. Brown and Mitchell services were needed at the free throw line, both converted 2-of-2. Xairuis Larry hit a 3-pointer a GSU trailed 31-24. Mitchell then fought his way through contact and landed his next two lay-ups in the paint. Grambling trailed 33-28 and five points was the closet the Tigers got to Southern.

Southern was led by Shawn Prudhomme with 32 points and game high four steals. Prudhomme was followed by Trelun Banks with 16 points. Jared Sam recorded a double-double of 12 points and a game-high of 12 rebounds. Banks also led the team in assists with four.