Jan. 17, 2008

Final Stats

SAN MARCOS - Destined to shut down the threat of defeat in the Southland home opener, Brandon Bush and Chris Agwumaro joined for 15 and 11 points respectively in a second-half rally, but could not surpass a hot-shooting Southeastern team in an 84-83 dropped decision at Strahan Coliseum Thursday night. The Bobcats fall 1-2 in league action and to an even 8-8 record overall.

The Bobcats were well on their way to a rewarding start, putting seven points on the board before the first two minutes ticked away and forcing a Lion turnover on each possession. Just under 12 minutes of action, Ryan White connected on a jumper for a 20-16 Bobcat lead, but Dekyron Nicks connected on the first of three-straight three-pointers for Southeastern, initiating a seven-point SLU rash.

Jonathan Sloan answered with back-to-back jumpers for Texas State coupled with a field goal from classmate Ty Gough to trim the deficit to just three points. Matt Fullenwider followed the lead with consecutive three-pointers, but a 73.9 first half shot percentage was too much for the `Cats to handle. The Bobcats retired to the half down 45-36.

Kevyn Green orchestrated the Lion offense in the first half, boasting an 8-9 performance from the field and shooting 5-6 from beyond the arc to keep the SLC foe alive. The senior had tallied 23 points in the first period of regulation and not one Bobcat had reached double-figures.

The second half began in the maroon and white's favor as well with five of the first nine field goals in the second half tallied by the Bobcats. A slew of points dropped in by Sloan, Bush and Corey Jefferson aided the comeback and turnover by Tavaris Nance at 14:58 was finished with a lay-up by Ryan White to put the `Cats within four points of a tie.

SLU answered with a 10-0 run over Texas State creating a 14-point margin between the team with a 60-46 score in its favor. Senior Chris Agwumaro and Bush led Texas State on a four minute scoring endeavor to counter the Lions and with 5:00 on the clock the `Cats were within three points again.

Southeastern crafted a 6-0 run, but Agwumaro answered with a pair of jumpers to remain in reach. With 23 seconds remaining on the clock, Ryan White stood at the free throw line with Texas State down 78-82. After sinking both free throws, the `Cats were in line for a victory, but a Bobcat foul sent Nicks to the line where he connected on two-straight free throws. Brent Benson knocked down a last second three, but Texas State was shy one point, and fell to the SLC foes 84-83.

Southeastern Louisiana was led by Green who finished with 27 points. The squad shot 61.2 percent from the field and grabbed 33 rebounds against the Bobcats.

Bush's 19 points fronted the Texas State offense with Agwumaro adding 13 and Dylan Moseley chipping in 12 points for the night. Fullenwider finished perfect across the boards, shooting 2-2 from the field and behind the three-point line. The Bobcats shot 50.8 percent from the field in the contest and went 13-23 from the free throw line.

Both squads managed 42 points in the paint and Texas State posted 36 points off the bench to SLU's six.

The Bobcats will look to shutout a second home loss as they host Nicholls State Saturday. Tip is slated for 4p.m.