JACKSON, Miss. (AP) David Blanks scored 27 points and Texas Southern beat Jackson State 71-65 on Saturday.
Blanks was 8 of 13 from the field and made all 10 of his free throw attempts for the Tigers (5-11, 4-0 Southwestern Athletic). Malcolm Riley added 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Chris Thomas finished with 15 points.
Jackson State (8-10, 3-2) was led by Raeford Worsham with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Paris Collins had 13 points, Janarius Middleton scored 12 points and Chace Franklin added 11.
Texas Southern closed the first half on a 16-4 run - including a 3 by Blanks just before half - which turned a tied game into a 41-29 advantage at the break.
The lead reached 20 on Riley's layup with 9:17 left. Jackson State chipped away and trailed by four with 1:03 left, but Thomas made and inside bucket and the Tigers held on.
