Texas Southern blows past Alabama A&M in 2nd half, 77-54

Feb 27, 2016, 11:26 pm

HOUSTON -- Coleman Orlando scored 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as Southwest Athletic Conference leader Texas Southern caught fire in the second half to thump Alabama A&M, 77-54 on Saturday night.

The Tigers trailed by two at the break, but David Blanks changed that 12 seconds into the second half, drilling a 3-pointer that put Texas Southern on top, 32-31. The 23-point margin was the largest of the game and came on a Jerron Martin 3-pointer with eight seconds left to put an exclamation point on the victory.

Chris Thomas scored 15 points and distributed 10 assists for Texas Southern (15-12, 14-1 SWAC). Derrick Griffin scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Texas Southern outrebounded the Bulldogs, 38-29.

Nicholas West scored 21 points to pace Alabama A&M (9-15, 5-10). Ladarius Tabb contributed 17 points.

Texas Southern closes its home schedule against Alabama State Monday, then plays Southern and Alcorn State on the road.