Men’s basketball comes to end

Saturday, March 2, the Southern University men’s basketball team saw their 2001-02 season come to an end.
The Jaguars were defeated 72-64, by the Tigers of Texas Southern University.
The loss represented the end of the Jaguars worst season to date. They finished with a 7-20 record, going 6-and-12 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, giving head coach Ben Jobe his first losing season with the Jaguars.
“We were lethargic the whole game. That’s the bottom line,” Jobe said. “It’s one thing to be out-talented. It’s another thing to be outworked. And we were outworked, especially by their guards.”
The Jaguars were led by senior, Carl Alexander, who had six three-pointers, to finish with 25 points. Victor Tarver added 13 points and four assists.
All-SWAC selection Ra’Kim Hollis, led the Tigers to victory with 23 points, going 8-for-10. Teammate Stephen Hoyer put up three 3-pointers, to add to the winning effort.
“The offense had no rhythm,” Jobe said. “I give credit to TSU, a lot of that had to do with them. But some had to do with us … We just didn’t have that zing. It could have been the pressure from knowing this could be our last game of the season.”
Going into Saturday night’s game the Jaguars were still in a position to secure a spot in the SWAC tournament. Both Grambling State University and SU were vying for the tournament’s final opening. Southern was placed in a must win situation. In order to receive a tournament invitation, Grambling would have had to lose … they were defeated by Alabama A&M 81-76 and the Jaguars would have to win. Both teams lost Grambling, having the better record made it to first round of the tournament, to only be defeated by Alcorn State University 108-84.
“It’s been an interesting season to say the least,” said Jobe, who returned for his second stint with the school this year. Four of his last five teams have finished with losing records. “But at least it’s been an X-ray. We know our weaknesses now. And we’re going to get out there and correct them.”