HOUSTON, Texas | Grambling State battled to the final horn but came up just short in an 82-79 road loss to Texas Southern on Saturday afternoon at the Health & Physical Education Arena in Houston, Texas. The contest featured eight ties and eight lead changes as both teams traded momentum throughout the afternoon. 

Jamil Muttilib delivered a standout performance for the Tigers, pouring in a game-high 26 points on 8-of-18 shooting, including three three-pointers, while adding two rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes of action. Muttilib was aggressive from the opening tip, scoring in transition and from beyond the arc, and repeatedly answered Texas Southern runs to keep GSU within striking distance. He also went 7-of-8 from the free throw line, showing poise in key moments.

Grambling State (11-13 overall, 5-6 SWAC) opened the game efficiently on the offensive end, shooting over 53 percent in the first half and building a 39-36 lead at the break. Muttilib scored in multiple ways during the opening half, including a pair of fast-break layups and a deep three-pointer, helping the Tigers maintain a slim advantage despite Texas Southern's early scoring bursts.

Roderick Coffee III added 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and chipped in four assists and five rebounds, while Rickey Ballard contributed 11 points with three three-pointers. Jimel Lane provided a strong presence off the bench with 11 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, giving the Tigers a boost on the glass.

Texas Southern (8-15, 6-6) surged early in the second half, shooting over 62 percent in the period and taking a double-digit lead midway through the half. Grambling State responded with timely baskets and defensive stops, with Muttilib continuing to attack the basket and knock down perimeter shots to cut into the deficit. The Tigers tied the game late and had multiple chances to take the lead in the closing minutes, but Texas Southern made key plays down the stretch and sealed the game at the free throw line.

Grambling State finished the game shooting 50.9 percent from the field and scored 32 points in the paint, while also adding 14 fast-break points. The Tigers forced 15 turnovers and converted them into 21 points, but Texas Southern's efficiency from three-point range and late-game execution proved to be the difference.

UP NEXT
Grambling State returns to action Monday when the Tigers head over to Prairie View, Texas to take on Prairie View A&M. TIp-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the William J. Nicks Building and will be streamed live on SWAC TV. 

FOLLOW GRAMBLING ATHLETICS
Stay updated with Grambling State Athletics by following @GSU_Tigers on X, @gramblingathletics on Instagram, and /GramblingStateTigers1901 on Facebook, or by visiting gsutigers.com.