Tigers pull away from Jackson State late in 75-65 win

HOUSTON – The Tigers of Texas Southern University snapped a two-game losing streak Monday with a 75-65 victory over visiting Jackson State.
 
At TSU’s H&PE Arena, John Jones scored 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting to lead the host Tigers (8-10), who improved to 3-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Jones was 5-of-6 from 3-point range and knocked down a pair of free throws.
 
Jeremy Combs scored 16 points on 5-for-5 shooting for Texas Southern. Jalyn Patterson chipped in 13 points, while Justin Hopkins came off the TSU bench to post a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
 
In a game that featured six ties and nine lead changes, TSU finally pulled away from their guests with seven unanswered points between the 4:00 and 1:32 marks of the second half to stretch its lead to 69-60. Combs scored six of his points during that run.
 
Dontelius Ross scored a team-high 17 points for Jackson State (6-13, 3-3 SWAC).
 
TSU shot 52 percent (25 of 48) from the field. The Tigers were just as consistent from 3-point range, shooting 53 percent (9 of 17).
 
Both teams shot 73 percent from the free throw line, but TSU had twice as many opportunities, going 16-of-22 from the stripe, compared to just 8-of-11 for Jackson State.
 
The Tigers return to action Saturday when they visit Arkansas–Pine Bluff to start a two-game road trip. Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.