DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. | For the first time in 43 years, the Grambling State University men's basketball team eclipsed the 20-win barrier, drafted Bethune-Cookman 66-54 on Monday night at Moore Gymnasium. 

The win improved GSU to 20-8 overall and 13-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). It was the first time since the Tigers went 22-9 during the 1979-80 season that GSU amassed 20 wins. The victory also stretched GSU's winning streak to seven games. 

Grambling State had a strong night shooting from the floor, making big shot after big shot. For the game, GSU knocked down 53.8 percent of its attempts (28-of-52). Carte'are Gordon led the way for the Tigers, scoring a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 from the field. He also grabbed eight rebounds with one steal.

Shwadarius Cowart continued to impress on Monday evening, racking up 18 points with three rebounds and two assists. Cameron Chriton and Tra'Michael Moto also scored in double-figures with Christon tossing in 12 points and Moton contributing 11.

The game began much like GSU's contest versus Florida A&M on Saturday, with the Tigers opening on an 8-0 run. Unlike Saturday, however, Bethune-Cookman didn't let GSU get too far ahead in the first half, working its way within one of the Tigers, 14-13, with 8:13 remaining in the half. 

Grambling State started its lead to 24-18 on a 3-pointer by Christon at the 1:44 mark. BCU closed the half on a 6-0 run, tying the game 24-24 heading into halftime. 

The Wildcats briefly grabbed the lead on Zion Harmon's basket to begin the second half. GSU responded immediately on a basket by Cowart. Gordon pushed the Tigers back in front 28-26, splashing a long two-pointer at the 17:40 mark.

GSU looked to have put BCU away, using a 12-4 run to craft a 52-43 advantage with 6:46 to play. After the Wildcats closed the gap to three, 52-49, with 4:48 to go, GSU's duo of Cowart and Gordon put the team on their back.

Cowart scored the next next six points, driving to the hoop and draining three consectutive contested shots. Gordon then showed off his hops with two emphatic dunks to punctuate a 12-1 run by the Tigers to build a commanding 64-50 lead with 42 seconds to play. 

BCU was led by Kevin Davis, who scored 17 points with nine rebounds. 

UP NEXT
Grambling State looks to continue its winning ways on Thursday, March 2 when Tigers welcome Alabama A&M to town. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Fredrick C. Hobby Assembly Center. 

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