Texas Southern Outlasts Grambling State Behind Zone Defense And Clutch Shooting

Tigers overcome late push from Grambling to earn SWAC victory

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Texas Southern Tigers (8-15, 6-6 SWAC) defeated the Grambling State Tigers (11-13, 5-6 SWAC) 82-79 in a hard-fought SWAC matchup. Texas Southern's defense, led by a second-half switch to a 2-3 zone, and clutch shooting from players like Bryce Roberts helped the team overcome a late push from Grambling and earn the conference victory.

Why it matters

This win shows the growth and resilience of the Texas Southern team, which has learned how to close out close games in SWAC play after struggling earlier in the season. The Tigers' ability to adjust their defense and make timely shots down the stretch will be crucial as they prepare for the SWAC Tournament in March.

The details

Texas Southern got 17 points each from Zaire Hayes and Troy Hupstead, while Bryce Roberts and Jordan Gorecki added 15 points apiece. Grambling was led by Jamil Muttilib's 26 points. Coach Johnny Jones credited his team's ball movement, which led to 15 assists on 56% shooting, as well as the defensive adjustment to the 2-3 zone that helped slow down Grambling's offense in the second half.

  • The game was played on February 14, 2026 at H&PE Arena in Houston, Texas.

The players

Johnny Jones

Head coach of the Texas Southern Tigers basketball team.

Jordan Gorecki

Center for the Texas Southern Tigers.

Bryce Roberts

Guard for the Texas Southern Tigers, known as "Icey Bryce" for his clutch outside shooting.

Jamil Muttilib

Guard for the Grambling State Tigers, who scored a game-high 26 points.

Saliou Seye

Grambling State player who battled Texas Southern's Jordan Gorecki in a physical frontcourt matchup.

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What they’re saying

“Our guys did a tremendous job of staying the course, playing through the runs and settling down, making the necessary plays and finishing the night with 15 assists on 56% shooting, that was huge for us.”

— Johnny Jones, Head Coach, Texas Southern Tigers (si.com)

“When we switched to our zone, their offense kind of came to us... then they weren't able to get the shots off they needed to. I thought these big guys did a great job of rebounding and finishing, and limiting them to one shot. And so when they're one and done on the offensive end, it gave us an opportunity to get out and run and some easy scoring opportunities.”

— Johnny Jones, Head Coach, Texas Southern Tigers (si.com)

“When he misses a shot, we're surprised because he's certainly a sniper-type shooter. And when you get good looks, it's tough.”

— Johnny Jones, Head Coach, Texas Southern Tigers (si.com)

“It was tough... just trusting the work and walling up, being physical, and just listening to my coaches and trusting what they say gets me through the tough times.”

— Jordan Gorecki, Center, Texas Southern Tigers (si.com)

“Our job really is to do the entertainment part in putting on the right product out there... regardless of what side you're on tonight, you really enjoyed the basketball game.”

— Johnny Jones, Head Coach, Texas Southern Tigers (si.com)

What’s next

With six games left in the regular season, Texas Southern knows they need to keep improving their offense, rebounding, defense, and late-game play to compete for another SWAC title. Next, they will face the Southern Jaguars, who just defeated Prairie View A&M.

The takeaway

This win showcases the growth and resilience of the Texas Southern team, which has learned how to close out close games in SWAC play after struggling earlier in the season. The Tigers' ability to adjust their defense and make timely shots down the stretch will be crucial as they prepare for the SWAC Tournament in March.