GRAMBLING, La. (Men's basketball) - Two tough road losses has the Grambling State University Tigers ready for their toughest test of the season. The Texas Southern University Tigers roll into the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Grambling State lost a thriller to arch rival Southern 67-66 and dropped another to Alcorn State 75-65. Avery Ugba sparked the Tigers during the road trip earning him Southwestern Athletic Conference player of the week. Ugba was a monster in both games producing a double-double. Against Alcorn he scored a game high 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, against Southern Ugba scored another game high 26 points and pulled down 17 rebounds.

Grambling (10-14, 5-6 SWAC) committed 10 turnovers and shot 53.3 percent from the free throw line and trailed by 17 points in the second half against Southern. Grambling State trailed 45-28, and went on a 36-17, run to take the led 64-62 with 3:52 left.

Against Alcorn, GSU improved their free throw shooting to 72.2 percent but played catch up the entire night only leading once in the early moments of the game. The Tigers cut a 57-46 deficit to one which was the smallest point gap of the night.

"We got down in the Southern game because we were careless with the ball," said Grambling State Coach Shawn Walker. "In the second half, we played with more energy, we were much smarter and had an opportunity to win the game but free throw shooting hurt us. It's a game we let slide."

"The Alcorn game was a different kind of game. We made some mistakes but Alcorn really made some tough shots and they played well at home. What we saw over this last weekend is the advantage of the home court advantage in this league.  It's ridiculous people or a different team at home and we have to figure out how to play better on the road and win," added Walker.

???????Grambling State is a different team at home with only one home loss to Southern. GSU hasn't beaten Texas Southern in the Hobdy Center in over seven season dated back to 2009. Texas Southern (13-10, 9-1 SWAC) is red hot on a three-game winning streak. Zach Lofton has the hot hand for Texas Southern scoring, 25 points, 21 points and 21 points while on the streak.

"We play well at home. I'm looking forward to coming home. It's going to be two really tough games. With two teams that are playing at the top of the league. But I'm confident we can play with anybody we just have to play smart and play hard. To give ourselves a chance," added Walker. 

???????Grambling State takes on Prairie View A & M University on Monday, February 13 at 7 p.m. in the Hobdy Center.