Grambling wins 10th straight, beats Texas Southern 78-55 (Feb 12, 2018)

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HOUSTON (AP) Ivy Smith Jr. had 22 points and seven rebounds on Monday night to help Grambling beat Texas Southern 78-55 for its 10th straight win.

Grambling (14-12, 10-3 Southwest Athletic Conference) took sole possession of first in the conference standings with Arkansas-Pine Bluff (9-4) dropping out after an 84-52 loss to Alcorn State on Monday night.

Axel Mpoyo added 12 points and 12 rebounds for Grambling, which led by as many as 25 in the first half and 41-19 at the break. Devante Jackson scored 12 and Shirmane Thomas 10.

Texas Southern had a 17-6 run to cut the deficit to 54-45 in the second half but got no closer. Grambling pulled away with nine straight points and led by no less than 15 from there.

Donte Clark had 19 points, Demontrae Jefferson scored 16 and Marquis Salmon added 10 for Texas Southern (7-18, 7-5).