WASHINGTON, D.C. | Grambling State men's basketball battled back from a halftime deficit to earn a hard-fought 73–70 road victory over Howard University on Saturday evening at Burr Gymnasium.

The Tigers (2–1) outscored the Bison 41–37 in the second half behind a scorching 79% shooting performance after intermission, improving to 2–1 on the young season.

Jamil Muttilib led the charge off the bench with a game-high 21 points, knocking down 5-of-7 three-pointers and providing a major spark in the second half. Jimel Lane added 18 points, including the game-sealing free throws with 19 seconds remaining. Derrius Ward chipped in 12 points and four assists, while Antonio Munoz contributed 11 points and several key baskets in the paint.

Roderick Coffee III anchored Grambling's floor game with eight rebounds and eight assists, while also hitting a pair of clutch threes.

After trailing 33–32 at halftime, the Tigers opened the second half with back-to-back baskets from Muttilib and Lane to regain the lead. The teams traded blows down the stretch, with the score tied 12 times and the lead changing hands seven times. Muttilib's hot shooting and Lane's attacking plays in transition helped Grambling build a late cushion, and the defense came up with key stops in the final minute.

Howard (1–2) was led by Bryce Harris with 15 points, six rebounds, and five steals. 

Grambling shot 51% from the field and a sizzling 50% from three-point range (10-for-20), while limiting Howard to just 7-of-15 from beyond the arc. The Tigers also turned 19 Bison turnovers into 19 points and dominated fast-break opportunities, 20–6.

UP NEXT
Grambling State returns home to host Southern Miss at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Center on Thursday, Nov. 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

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