Tigers Drop Tight Contest At Bethune-Cookman

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – TSU’s four-game winning streak came to a tough end as Bethune-Cookman edged the Tigers 83-79 Monday night.
 
Both teams came out hot to open the game as TSU hit six of its first seven shots to begin the game en route to a 17-12 lead within the first 5:10. However, the Wildcats remained hot from the field (9-of-13) as they outscored the Tigers 21-9 over the next seven minutes as they moved ahead 33-26. Bethune-Cookman would finally cool off and TSU reversed roles as they tied it up at 38-all with 57 seconds remaining. The Wildcats would eventually reclaim the lead as they led 41-40 at the break.
 
The Wildcats had a fast start to open the second half as they claimed a 52-46 lead with 16:36 left. TSU recovered and responded with an 11-4 run as they reclaimed a 57-56 lead with 10:27 remaining. B-CU took a brief lead with a jumper but Jonathan Cisse’s three-point play with 9:40 left gave TSU a 59-58 lead.
 
Jaylan Wysinger’s trey upped the margin to 63-58 with 9:08 remaining but B-CU took advantage of four TSU turnovers en route to a 14-2 run and a 72-65 margin at the 5:23 mark. TSU upped the intensity and went on a 10-2 run over the next two minutes as Kolby Granger’s free throw gave TSU a 75-74 lead with 3:02 left.
 
From that point, TSU would miss a three-point attempt followed by a turnover along with a big offensive rebound by the Wildcats as the contest came down to the free throw line. Despite no field goals over the final 3:29 from both teams, Bethune-Cookman sealed the win with free throw shooting as all its points came via the line as they went 11-of-14 while TSU was 7-of-10.
 
Four Tigers scored in double figures as Henry and Cisse scored 17 each while Wysinger added 16 followed by 13 from Granger. Granger led TSU with seven rebounds while Wysinger had five assists.
 
TSU is back in action on Saturday at 5 p.m. against Grambling State inside the H&PE Arena.