HOUSTON -- Southern University forced 24 Texas Southern turnovers but suffered through a rough shooting night as the Jaguars dropped its 2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference opener 59-45 on Saturday night in the H&PE Arena.

The Jaguars shot 33 percent from the field in the first half and fell behind 18-7 after a 14-3 Texas Southern run closed the quarter. Southern (3-7, 0-1) shot 19 of 57 for the game, including 2 for 11 from behind the arc.

Senior guard Britney Washington, who played in only her fifth game of the season, led SU with 14 points but had an off shooting night, going 6 of 17 from field. Houston native Cortnei Purnell added 10 points and six rebounds.

Texas Southern (5-6, 1-0) continued its hot pace, extending its current win streak to four. Toni Cheadle was a perfect 7 for 7 from the field and lead the Lady Tigers with 15 points. Kianna Vines added 11 points and six board as the Lady Tigers shot 13 for 20 in the first half in building a 39-20 halftime lead.

Southern will look to salvage its Texas road trip with a split when the Jaguars face Prairie View A&M in Prairie View, Texas on Monday night at 5:30 p.m.

Fans are urged to keep current with the SU women's basketball program by following the Jaguars on Twitter at @JaguarsWBB.

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