Dec. 6, 2007

Final Stats

SAN MARCOS - The Texas State Bobcats responded to a seven-point halftime deficit with a furious 39 point run, unfortunately the Rice Owls were able to end a three-game win streak and hand the Bobcats their first home loss of the season in an 88-81 dropped decision Wednesday night at Strahan Coliseum.

The Bobcats (5-2) launched a 14 point performance in front of a lively home crowd with the help of a defensive press that forced nine Rice (2-5) turnovers for seven points.

Aleks Perka hit a jumper to spark an 18-6 run for Rice, bringing them within two points of a tie. After a series of answered baskets by both teams, Bobcat fouls sent the blue and white to the line. The Owls sank eight free throws within one minute of play and went into halftime with a 49-42 lead over the Bobcats.

Jonathan Sloan initiated the `Cats offense in the second half when Cameron Johnson found him under the goal for two points, a piece of a seven-point run by the `Cats that was offset by 20 points from the Owls.

With 12:46 on the clock, Dylan Moseley knocked down a three-pointer and Brent Holder followed up with another to commence a 21-6 run for the Bobcats, bringing the score within two at 75-73. From there, the Bobcats were whistled for 10 fouls until the final bell, lengthening the gap with each Rice appearance at the line.

The Bobcats were held to just 36.7 percent from the field during the second half, while Rice countered with 44 percent. The Owls wrestled for 47 rebounds, outnumbering the Bobcats by 20, while Texas State finished the contest with 36 fouls, 10 more than Rice.

Bush led the Bobcat squad with a 17 point performance, sinking fifty percent of his field goals and baskets outside the arc. Brent Benson finished the night with 15 points off the bench and Holder put in 11 to round out the Bobcats in double digits. Moseley finished 3-6 from the field and 3-4 at three-point range, giving him nine points in the contest.

Patrick Britton was the leading scorer for the Rice Owls, with 27 and Paulius Packevicius had a double-double night with 13 points and 15 rebounds.

Texas State will travel to College Station Saturday to battle the Texas A&M Aggies in a 7 p.m. contest. The game will be televised across the state on Fox Sports Southwest.