HOUSTON -- Derrick Bruce scored a career-high 28 points, Demontrae Jefferson added 25 and the duo combined for 13 3-pointers in Texas Southern's 78-66 victory over Southern on Monday night.

Texas Southern (1-13) won its first game of the season in a Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Bruce made a career-best eight 3s on 12 attempts and Jefferson was 5 of 11 as Texas Southern made 15 of 38 from 3-point range. Jefferson reached 20-plus points for the 10th time this season.

Texas Southern went on a 17-5 run -- with three 3-pointers from Bruce -- midway through the first half for a 27-13 lead. But Southern closed the half by scoring the final six points to pull within 37-34.

Southern was within 52-48 with 13:37 to go but didn't make its next field goal until the 8:21 mark and trailed 66-51.

Jared Sam led Southern (4-10) with 16 points and nine rebounds. Sidney Umude added 14 points and Eddie Reese 11 on 3-of-11 shooting.