Tigers prepare for CIT quarterfinal clash against Louisiana–Monroe

MONROE, La. – The Tigers of Texas Southern University aim to continue their run through the 2019 postseason Thursday when they visit Louisiana–Monroe for the quarterfinal round of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.
 
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and can be viewed online for free at watchcit.com .
 
The Tigers (23-13) reached the quarterfinal round after defeating Texas–Rio Grande Valley 94-85 in Edinburg on Monday. Jeremy Combs, the reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year, poured in 27 points and pulled in 17 rebounds for the Tigers.
 
TSU used 14-2 run late in the second half to take control of what had been a back-and-forth game. A pair of 3-pointers from Tyrik Armstrong and Jalyn Patterson 10 seconds apart capped the run to give the Tigers an 82-73 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game.
 
Louisiana–Monroe (19-15) went 9-9 in the Sun Belt Conference this season. The Warhawks advanced to the quarterfinal round after opening the CIT with an 87-77 win at home over Kent State; ULM had a bye through the second round into the quarterfinals.
 
TSU is the third SWAC opponent ULM will have faced this season. The Warhawks won 75-66 at Jackson State, and also recorded a 72-67 win at home over Grambling State.
 
The Warhawks are led by 6-foot-1 senior guard Daishon Smith, who averages 21.2 points and 3.9 assists per game.
 
Combs leads Texas Southern with an average of 17.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Jalyn Patterson averages 12.2 points and 3.9 assists per game for the Tigers.