Mississippi Valley State Edges Texas Southern in Close Game
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · R.W. Harrison HPER Complex
Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 72, Texas Southern Tigers 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Texas Southern Tigers vs Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils?
Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils beat Texas Southern Tigers 72-71 at R.W. Harrison HPER Complex on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Texas Southern Tigers vs Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils?
Texas Southern Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -600 (about 86% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex, the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils narrowly defeated the Texas Southern Tigers with a final score of 72-71. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked a significant victory for the Delta Devils, who have struggled throughout the season with a home record of 2-26 and a recent form that saw them lose their last ten games. The win not only snapped their losing streak but also showcased their resilience against a Texas Southern team that had been performing well, boasting a 10-16 record and winning seven of their last ten games leading into this contest.
The Delta Devils entered the game with a dismal average of 63.0 points scored and 79.0 points allowed over their last ten outings, while the Tigers averaged 79.4 points scored and 74.0 points allowed. Mississippi Valley State's last five games had seen them average 65.8 points scored and 81.4 points allowed, reflecting their defensive struggles. In contrast, Texas Southern had been more consistent, averaging 74.0 points scored and 70.4 points allowed in their last five games.
Home performance has been a significant factor for Mississippi Valley State, who had not won a game at home in their last six attempts, while Texas Southern had a balanced away record of 3-3. Previous meetings between these two teams had not gone well for the Delta Devils, as they had lost all three encounters, including a decisive 84-51 defeat earlier in the season on January 13, 2026.
The injury situation was not detailed in the provided facts, but the Delta Devils' recent form and their previous encounters suggested a challenging matchup against the Tigers, who were favored by 11.5 points according to DraftKings. The total points line was set at 143.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring battle.
Conditions for the game were typical for a college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Mississippi Valley State's victory came down to a series of critical scoring plays in the second half. With the score tied at 66, Patrick Punch hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Delta Devils a brief lead. However, the game remained tightly contested, with the Tigers responding through Zytarious Mortle's free throws and a dunk from Jordan Gorecki.
As the clock wound down, the intensity heightened, culminating in a layup by Michael James that secured the Delta Devils' victory. This close finish not only highlighted the competitive nature of the game but also demonstrated Mississippi Valley State's ability to perform under pressure, a significant factor considering their recent struggles.
In summary, this game was a remarkable display of determination from the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils, who managed to overcome their recent form and secure a hard-fought win against the Texas Southern Tigers. The final score of 72-71 will be remembered as a turning point for a team that has faced numerous challenges this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TXSO -11.5 | 143.5 o -112 / u -108 | Texas Southern Tigers -600 · Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils +440 |
Leaders
- PointsMichael James24Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
- AssistsXzayvion Childress5Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
- ReboundsDaniel Mayfield7Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
- PointsDuane Posey17Texas Southern Tigers
- AssistsJaylen Wysinger3Texas Southern Tigers
- ReboundsBryce Roberts5Texas Southern Tigers
Recent form
Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
Last 10: 0-10Streak L1063 scored · 79 allowed per game0-6 at home
- L62-72vs Prairie View A&M PanthersFeb 20
- L55-92at Alabama State HornetsFeb 17
- L65-72at Alabama A&M BulldogsFeb 14
- L66-74vs Alcorn State BravesFeb 10
- L81-97vs Jackson State TigersFeb 7
- L70-78vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsJan 31
- L69-80at Southern JaguarsJan 28
- L48-62vs Florida A&M RattlersJan 20
- L63-79vs Bethune-Cookman WildcatsJan 17
- L51-84at Texas Southern TigersJan 13
Texas Southern Tigers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W379.4 scored · 74 allowed per game3-3 away
- W83-64at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsFeb 20
- W74-73vs Southern JaguarsFeb 17
- W82-79vs Grambling TigersFeb 14
- L69-79at Bethune-Cookman WildcatsFeb 10
- W62-57at Florida A&M RattlersFeb 7
- L78-85at Prairie View A&M PanthersJan 31
- W96-64vs Alabama State HornetsJan 27
- W89-74vs Alabama A&M BulldogsJan 24
- L89-94at Jackson State TigersJan 20
- W72-71at Alcorn State BravesJan 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune-Cookman | 17-15 | - | 14-4 |
| Southern | 17-17 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Florida A&M | 15-16 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Alabama A&M | 18-15 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 13-19 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Texas Southern | 12-18 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Jackson State | 12-21 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Prairie View A&M | 19-18 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Grambling | 14-19 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alabama State | 10-22 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alcorn State | 9-23 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi Valley State | 3-30 | 12 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Texas Southern Tigers | Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-51 | 27-57 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 4-14 | 5-18 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 28 |
| Free throws | 19-28 | 13-20 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 23 |
| Assists | 8 | 14 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 30 |
| Fouls | 17 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 20 | 20 |
| Time in front | 40 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-42Bryce Roberts makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Wysinger assists)
- 2nd Half39-44Mussa Mzein makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half40-44Zaire Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-44Bryce Roberts makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half45-44Bryce Roberts makes 24-foot three pointer (Jaylen Wysinger assists)
- 2nd Half47-44Alex Anderson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-44Duane Posey makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-46Daniel Mayfield makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot (Xzayvion Childress assists)
- 2nd Half50-46Duane Posey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-46Duane Posey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-47Chance Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-47Duane Posey makes layup
- 2nd Half54-47Duane Posey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-49Mussa Mzein makes 14-foot jumper (Michael James assists)
- 2nd Half55-49Alex Anderson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-49Alex Anderson makes layup
- 2nd Half57-51Xzayvion Childress makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-51Zytarious Mortle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-54Michael James makes 24-foot three point jumper (Xzayvion Childress assists)
- 2nd Half58-56Mussa Mzein makes layup (Michael James assists)
- 2nd Half58-58Michael James makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-58Alex Anderson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Alex Anderson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Duane Posey makes layup
- 2nd Half62-59Michael James makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half62-60Michael James makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half62-61Michael James makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half64-61Alex Anderson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-61Alex Anderson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-62Michael James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-63Michael James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-65Daniel Mayfield makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half66-65Alex Anderson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Patrick Punch makes 24-foot three point jumper (Michael James assists)
- 2nd Half67-68Zytarious Mortle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-68Jordan Gorecki makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half70-68Zytarious Mortle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-68Zytarious Mortle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-70Xzayvion Childress makes layup
- 2nd Half71-72Michael James makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils, below favours Texas Southern Tigers.
Venue
- R.W. Harrison HPER ComplexItta Bena, MS
- Attendance1012
- OfficialsTalmadge Scott, Donald Daniels, Mikalen Roussell
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