Smith scores 24 as UL Monroe wins opener on road

JACKSON, Miss. -- Daishon Smith tossed in 24 points, knocking down 5 of 6 shots from 3-point range, and UL Monroe opened its season with a 75-66 road victory over Jackson State on Tuesday night.

Jontray Harris added four 3-pointers and scored 15, while Michael Ertel had 12 points. The Warhawks connected on 11 of 23 from distance (48 percent), while holding Jackson State to 5-of-19 shooting from beyond the arc (26 percent).

Jayveous McKinnis led the Tigers with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor. Chris Howell added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Jontrell Walker scored 11.

UL Monroe trailed 49-46 with 12 minutes left in the game, but Harris buried a 3-pointer to key a 15-2 run and the Warhawks never trailed again. Smith and Harris both scored 12 points in the second half as UL Monroe overcame a 36-32 deficit at the break.