Abilene Chrstn defeats Texas Southern 68-75

Abilene Chrstn Upsets Texas Southern in Thrilling Non-Conference Matchup

The Abilene Chrstn Crusaders pulled off a stunning comeback victory over the Texas Southern Tigers, erasing a 3-point halftime deficit to secure a 75-68 win at H&PE Arena on Tuesday night.

Trailing by three points at intermission, the Crusaders stormed back in the second half behind a balanced attack that outscored the Tigers 42-32. The key difference-maker was Abilene Chrstn's sharp shooting from beyond the arc, where they converted 5 of 19 attempts to outgun Texas Southern.

Abilene Chrstn's offense relied heavily on their free throw prowess, with the team converting an impressive 22 of 27 attempts at the line. This helped counterbalance a relatively modest field goal percentage, as the Crusaders shot just 48% from the floor compared to Texas Southern's 52%.

The Tigers' offense was unable to recover from their subpar performance in the second half, shooting just 26% from the field after halftime. They struggled to contain Abilene Chrstn's pace, allowing them to capitalize on turnovers and secure an advantage on the glass.

This non-conference matchup marked a significant test for both teams as they navigate the early stages of the season. For Texas Southern, who were looking to build momentum at home, this loss serves as a sobering reminder that their offense still needs work. Meanwhile, Abilene Chrstn's gritty comeback victory cements their status as an emerging force in the league.

Game stats:

* Field Goals: Abilene Chrstn (48.0%), Texas Southern (52.0%)

* 2-Point FG: Abilene Chrstn (61.3%), Texas Southern (59.0%)

* 3-Point FG: Abilene Chrstn (26.0%), Texas Southern (27.0%)

* Free Throws: Abilene Chrstn (81.0%), Texas Southern (68.0%)

With this victory, the Crusaders continue to make a name for themselves as a formidable opponent in non-conference play.