HOUSTON — Texas Southern secured a 24-17 victory over Grambling on Saturday night, highlighted by a crucial touchdown run from Quintell Quinn with just 4:24 left in the game.

Quinn’s touchdown capped off an impressive 10-play, 75-yard drive, providing a decisive answer to Grambling’s earlier touchdown. The Tigers from Grambling had tied the game at 17 on a 10-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a 6-yard run by Deljay Bailey with 9:07 to play.

The first quarter saw no points scored until Texas Southern’s Chaunzavia Lewis electrified the crowd with a 36-yard punt return. This set up a 6-yard touchdown run by Jace Wilson, giving Texas Southern a 7-0 lead just 38 seconds into the second quarter.

Grambling responded, with Reed Harradine kicking a 38-yard field goal to get on the board. However, Texas Southern answered back when freshman Jordan Davis, seeing his limited action, threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Donald McKinney, concluding a nine-play, 99-yard drive just before halftime, which increased their lead to 11 points.

In the third quarter, Grambling managed to narrow the gap to 14-10 thanks to a 31-yard touchdown run by Ke’travion Hargrove. The momentum could have shifted further in their favor, but Harradine’s attempt at a 51-yard field goal fell short. Texas Southern then extended their lead to 17-10 with a successful 46-yard field goal from Gustavo Romero heading into the final quarter.

For Texas Southern, Wilson completed 11 of his 18 passing attempts for 128 yards, with one interception, and he also showcased his versatility, leading with 78 rushing yards on 12 carries. Quinn, on the other hand, added 69 yards on 11 carries.

Grambling’s Bailey had a mixed performance, completing 7 of 12 passes for 70 yards, and Hargrove led the ground game with 73 yards from 13 attempts.