ATLANTA, Ga. | Grambling State earned an 81-72 victory over Hampton on Friday evening at the Gateway Center Arena at College Park, using a strong second-half performance to pull away from the Pirates. The Tigers improved to 5-6 on the season, while Hampton dropped to 6-7.

The game was tightly contested early, with Hampton opening the scoring before GSU settled in behind the inside presence of Antonio Munoz and efficient guard play from Jamil Muttilib. After several early lead changes, Grambling State began to gain control midway through the first half, capitalizing on turnovers and converting in transition. The Tigers closed the half on a late run, highlighted by baskets from Muttilib and Munoz, to take a 38-33 lead into the break.

GSU shot 51.7 percent from the field in the opening half and held Hampton to 44 percent shooting, while forcing key turnovers that led to fast-break
opportunities. Munoz led all scorers at halftime, consistently attacking the paint and drawing fouls.

The Tigers took command in the second half with an explosive offensive showing, shooting 66.7 percent from the field after intermission. Muttilib sparked the run with timely baskets and free throws, while Derrius Ward and Jimel Lane provided a boost off the bench. Grambling extended the lead to double digits midway through the half following a fast-break dunk by Munoz and a three-pointer from Ward.

Hampton attempted to rally behind Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt, who finished with 22 points, but Grambling's defensive pressure and composure at the free-throw line kept the Pirates from closing the gap. The Tigers consistently answered Hampton baskets with scores of their own, maintaining control down the stretch.

Munoz led Grambling with a career-high 23 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks while going 11-of-14 from the free-throw line. Muttilib was perfect from the field, scoring 19 points on 7-of-7 shooting while adding a key presence in transition. Ward chipped in 12 points off the bench, and Lane added nine points and five rebounds.

Grambling State finished the game shooting 57.4 percent from the field and scored 44 points in the paint. The Tigers also converted 23-of-30 from the free-throw line and forced 15 Hampton turnovers, turning them into 24 points.

Hampton was led by Gaines-Wyatt's 22 points, while Xzavier Long recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. 

UP NEXT
Grambling State travels to Columbus, Ohio, to face Ohio State on Dec. 23. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET at Value City Arena and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. 
 
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