Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and Grambling State University (GSU) opened the Men’s basketball side of the 2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament at the Toyota Center.

But after two competitive time periods, Mississippi Valley State’s Delta Devils advanced with an 87-73 victory over the Grambling State Tigers. MVSU head coach Andre Payne felt confident in getting his first win in his second year.

“It was a good win, but we have a long way to go,” Payne said.

Payne’s second season as coach also included his second overall SWAC tournament. He can finally put his first-game exit from last season’s tournament behind him.

Valley, which MVSU also goes by, and Grambling went through most of the first half scoring back and forth, points after points, until halftime showed 36-27 in favor of the Devils. Grambling only tied the game one time.

Throughout the second half became a different result. Continuous baskets from both teams were made until key defensive plays from Valley and smart shots made began to give Grambling an early exit from the tournament. Grambling eventually loses 87-73 at the end. Grambling State head coach Shawn Walker was disappointed with the loss but is not upset with the team’s future.

“I would expect us next year not to finish in last place of the conference,” Walker said.

Tiger and senior guard Ervin Mitchell had 19 points total, but Valley’s player and junior shooting guard Marcus Romain put up higher points with 32. Romain was one of three Valley players with double-digit points; Latrell Love had 21 and Isaac Williams finished with 20.

Valley’s next opponent is second-place Alcorn State University Wednesday at 2:30 pm.