The defending SWAC champion Grambling Tigers are already putting teams on notice, starting with No. 24-ranked Ole Miss Friday night.
The Tigers held an eight-point halftime lead, but the Rebels rallied for a close 66-64 victory. Grambling fell to 1-1, while it was the season opener for Ole Miss.
Grambling trailed 20-18 midway through the first half but finished the frame on a 15-5 run to take a 33-25 lead at the break.
Ole Miss responded with a 14-2 run to start the second half and take a 39-27 lead, but Grambling rallied to within 62-59 in the final seconds. a couple of missed layups by the Tigers and four free throws by Ole Miss helped extend lead to 66-63. Mikale Stevenson was fouled with .9 left before he could attempt a tying three-pointer.
Stevenson (the game’s leading scorer with 16 points) made the first free throw and missed the second on purpose, but the Tigers were called for a lane violation going for the rebound.
Kintavious Dozier (15 points), Ernest Ross (14 points) and James Flippin (12) joined Stevenson in double figures for Grambling. Dre Davis led the Rebels with 13 points.
Grambling returns to action Monday against another top 25 team when they visit 21st-ranked Florida Monday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. EST.
