Lofton scores 26, blocks shot as Texas Southern beats Rice

HOUSTON (AP) — Zach Lofton scored 26 points and blocked a 3-point shot at the buzzer, and Texas Southern beat Rice 71-68 on Wednesday night.

The Tigers took the lead for good with about 17 minutes left, and led by as many as seven points. Marcus Evans made a 3-pointer to pull Rice to 69-68 with 45 seconds left. Lofton missed a jumper on the Tigers' next possession, but Evans then missed a 3-point shot on the other end. Kevin Scott made a pair of free throws before Lofton blocked Marcus Jackson's 3-point attempt.

Lofton was 10 of 27 from the field and made three 3-pointers. Derrick Griffin had 16 points and 12 rebounds for Texas Southern (2-1).

Evans had 22 points and five assists to lead Rice (1-1). Egor Koulechov added 14 points and Corey Douglas had 11 points and nine rebounds.