Jan. 5, 2008

Final Stats

SAN MARCOS - Chris Agwumaro and Brandon Bush led the Texas State Bobcats with 15 points, but a vengeful overtime rally by Texas-Pan American proved too much for the `Cats as they dropped an 83-78 decision at Strahan Coliseum Saturday night.

Zach Trader opened with a 4-0 run over Texas State, but three points from Dylan Moseley coupled with a lay-up from Brandon Thomas put the Bobcats up by one to shut down Pan-Am's threat. Texas State maintained the lead until UTPA capitalized on three fast break opportunities to put the Broncos in front 18-15.

Agwumaro drained a three-pointer with precision to tie game, but the Broncos stampeded a 12-0 path over the Bobcats, advancing 34-22. Texas State hustled for 14 points before the half was completed, but UTPA took the lead into the break 42-36.

The Bobcats finished slightly ahead of the Broncos, shooting 52 percent from the field in the half. Agwumaro was flawless, going 4-4 from the field, draining one shot beyond the arc and connecting on a free throw to lead Texas State at the half with ten points.

Paul Stoll dropped in seven points for Texas Pan-American to start the second half in the Broncs' favor. Down by ten points, Brent Benson emerged from a media timeout for back-to-back jumpers trimming the gap to just six points. UTPA answered with six-straight points and never allowed the Bobcats to come within seven for ten minutes of action.

With 3:52 remaining, Brandon Thomas put back a three-point shot attempt for two to change the pace of the game in the Bobcats favor. The Broncos where whistled for a traveling violation and Ryan White ripped the ball from Stoll on the next possession to finish with a lofty three pointer that lifting the maroon and white's spirits.

Benson, who was 0-4 from beyond the arc, drained his first long shot of the night to bring the `Cats within three. At 1:28 Bush muscled his way to the board for two points and drew Brian Burrell's fifth foul, sending him to the bench. Bush finished off the three-point play sinking the game-tying free throw.

Texas State shot just 33.3 percent in the overtime period that did not match the 80 percent effort by the Broncos. UTPA's final four points came off free throws to seal the victory.

Bush led the team on the boards with seven rebounds and Thomas finished with six rebounds to fall in line. Benson tallied 13 points and Ty Gough went 4-6 from the field chipping in 10 points for Texas State. White made his first career start and finished the night with nine points and six assists.

Emmanuel Jones was the high scorer for Texas-Pan American with 19 points and eight rebounds.

Texas State will begin Southland Conference action on the road, opening against Northwestern State Jan. 10. Tip is slated for 6:30 p.m. in Natchitoches, La.