Southwestern Athletic Conference

Texas Southern 73 Alabama State 61

HOUSTON ? Texas Southern University defeated Alabama State University 73-61 in a semifinal game Friday afternoon at the Toyota Center and will now play for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament Championship for the first time since the 2002-03.

Aaric Murray scored 16 points, all but one after halftime. D.D. Scarver added 14 while Madarious Gibbs pitched in 12.

The Tigers (18-14), winners of eight in a row, advance to Saturday's title game and will face the winner of the Alabama A&M and Prairie View game.

After gaining the lead for good just six minutes in, Texas Southern survived 18 turnovers, and nine Alabama State steals to lead comfortably throughout, shooting 50 percent. Scarver scored 11 points after halftime with eight rebounds. Gibbs scored 10 in the second half with seven assists.

Jamel Waters led the Hornets (19-12) with 21 points. Luther Page scored 13 points while freshmen Tarrance LeFlore added 12 and five steals.

The Tigers scored 11 of 14 at the line in the last 3 minutes, Murray sinking 7 of 8 in that span.