Posted: January 1, 2018 -- 10:59 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (H&PE Arena) -- After completing the number-one rated strength of schedule -- all road games -- the Texas Southern University Tigers men's basketball team played its first home game of the 2017-'18 season. The Tigers did not win any of the 13 road games; but, the Tigers picked up win number of the season Monday night with a 78-66 victory over the Southern Jaguars.

The Tigers trailed only time, 7-6, in the ball game.

Derrick "DJ" Bruce scored a career-high 28 points for the Tigers. Bruce caught fire from three-point range early and stayed hot throughout the ball game. Bruce shot 4 for 6 from three in each half.

Demontrae Jefferson assisted on many of Bruce's 8 three-point baskets. Jefferson finished the game with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

TSU big man Trayvon Reed (7'2") nearly had a triple-double with 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 blocked shots -- in 33 minutes -- before fouling out of the game.

The Tigers led 27-18 before the Jaguars went on a 10-2 to trim Texas Southern's lead to one point (29-28) with 4:24 remaining until halftime.

Reed got a dunk and Jefferson converted a three-point play and nailed a 3 point shot for a 37-28; but, the Jaguars closed the half scoring the final six points for a 37-34 TSU lead at halftime.

The second half was similar to the first half: Bruce and Jefferson each made a three-point shot for the Tigers. TSU led 45-41 when Reed picked up his third foul and sat on the bench with 16:31 on the game clock.

With Reed on the bench, TSU Head Coach Mike Davis, utilized his small-ball lineup with 5'7 Jefferson, 5'10" Brian Carey; 6'3" Derrick Bruce; 6'5" Lamont Walker; and 6'8" Marquis Salmon. The lineup excelled and erupted with a 19-7 run for a 64-48 TSU lead with 9:49 on the game clock.

Southern pulled within 10 points (66-56); but, Reed sank 3 of 4 free throws and Bruce swished a three-point shot for a 72-56 lead with only 4:16 remaining in the ball game.

The Tigers cruised to the victory until the final seconds of the game when Jefferson attacked the basket with the shot clock winding down and was fouled hard by Southern's Chris Thomas.

Jefferson hit the court; but, quickly got up and went after Thomas. Jefferson was held by a referee before he got to Thomas; but, Jefferson did appear to make a motion (swing) with his left hand towards Thomas. Both players were ejected from the game.

With tonight's win, Mike Davis picks up his 100th victory as head coach of the TSU Tigers.

"At the end of the year, last year, I had 99 (wins)", Davis said bluntly. "And, I made the schedule; and, I knew it would be a long time before I got that 100th victory. But, I'm excited about it. I'm happy for our program to have 100 wins.

"It's great here because it's tough here. It's really tough here, especially, when you play the non-conference schedule that we played; and, so, it's very difficult. But, I'm really, really excited about being a part of something. Hopefully, I can get my 200th (win) here."

"Yeah, I love it here. I love it."

Texas Southern's next game is Wednesday night, January 3, against Alcorn State. 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

Coach Davis says he hasn't watched game tape of Alcorn State, yet.

"I haven't watched them at all. I'll go back and watch them tonight. See what they got. Then, we'll plan for them and go from there."

CLICK HERE for more of The HRR's NCAAM's write-ups.