It was the upset of the season.
Texas Southern University earned its first win of the season against No. 20 Florida on Dec. 6, 2021. The Tigers defeated the Gators 69-54 as 23.5-point underdogs.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Texas Southern (1-7) became the first SWAC program to defeat a ranked SEC team in the poll era, which dates back to 1936. Ranked SEC teams were 51-0 against SWAC teams going into the night.
Texas Southern (@TSUMensHoops) stuns #20 Florida in Gainesville 69-54. Monster upset on the road for Johnny Jones (@CoachJohnnyJ12) and the Tigers. pic.twitter.com/joYP7kgPje
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) December 7, 2021
“I thought it was a great 40-minute effort from all of our guys,” Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones told KHOU-TV. “I thought it was a big-time compliment to them the way that we’ve gone through the season this early part, we’ve had leads in some of the games and unfortunately weren’t able to finish it out, but tonight, I thought we were able to put it together.
“Lessons learned from some of the mistakes we made in some of those other opportunities, but it all came together tonight and I couldn’t be happier for a great bunch of guys.”
Senior forward Jordan Karl Nicholas shot 7-for-7 from the field to finish with 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Junior guard PJ Henry led the Tigers with 16 points, three assists and two rebounds. Senior forward Jordan Walker III nearly finished with a double-double, as he contributed 13 points and seven rebounds.
Texas Southern is the reigning SWAC Tournament champion and the program Shaqir O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal’s son, committed to last year. O’Neal recently visited the team at practice as Shaqir’s freshman campaign is underway.
The 🐐himself, @SHAQ , stopped by our practice today. Thanks for coming out and speaking to our team! 💯#BeLegendary #GoTigers #DJDiesel | @TXSOTigers @TexasSouthern @CoachJohnnyJ12 pic.twitter.com/CbUu85dGuZ
— Texas Southern Basketball (@TSUMensHoops) December 3, 2021
Shaqir didn’t play in the win against Florida.
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