Tra’Michael Moton scored a career-high 26 points to help No. 1 seed Grambling State dispose of No. 5 Bethune-Cookman 65-53 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals.
To go along with his 26 points, Moton added six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The win secured Grambling State’s second straight trip to the SWAC Title game appearance. Grambling State (19-14) now seeks its first-ever trip to the NCAA Division I tourney.
With the game squared up at 8-8, the Tigers used a 9-1 to grow a 17-9 lead with 7:44 remaining until halftime. After grabbing a 24-17 lead, Grambling State closed the half on a massive 22-2 run to take a commanding 44-19 advantage into the half.
Geaux on home, Wildcats. The 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦 aren’t for everyone.
GRAMBLING STATE IS HEADED TO THE #SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! #GramFam | #ThisIsTheG🐯 pic.twitter.com/gQ3P8wb0zJ
— Grambling State Men’s Basketball (@gsutigers_mbb) March 15, 2024
Tra’Michael Moton was nearly unstoppable in the opening half, scoring 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field. All of Moton’s baskets came from behind the arc.
Just as impressive as GSU’s offense was in the first half, the Tigers defense was equally ferocious, limiting BCU to 20 percent shooting (5-for-25), including 0-for-7 from three-point range. The Wildcats also turned the ball over seven times.
B-CU (17-16) did its best to climb back into the game, outscoring GSU 34-21 in the second stanza, but it was too little and too late to overcome the early onslaught from the Tigers.
Bethune-Cookman was led offensively by Jakobi Heady, who contributed 17 points, nine boards, a block, and a steal.
