Feb. 23, 2008

Final Stats

SAN MARCOS - Brandon Bush finished the night with 18 points, sinking 10-10 from the free throw line, but with two seconds remaining in regulation, the most memorable points from the stripe were dropped in. Bush tied the score at 81 apiece to send the game into overtime, but the Texas State Bobcats could not stop Texas-San Antonio in the extra period and fell 103-96 at Strahan Coliseum Saturday night.

The loss moves the `Cats to 5-8 in league play and bumps the Roadrunners to an even 6-6 in conference. Overall, the teams sit 12-14 and 12-13, respectively.

With just a minute remaining in the second half, Texas State trailed by eight points. Bush was able to trim the deficit with two from the line, 71-77, but a Bobcat foul sent UTSA to the line to take another eight point spread. Brent Benson answered with 36 ticks on the clock, dropping in a three-pointer to send the `Cats on the six points scoring rally.

UTSA forged ahead during the extra frame, posting a 4-0 run over Texas State before Bush made another appearance at the line to put the score at 83-85. Bush dropped in two more from the stripe and Ryan White connected on a jumper and chipped in a free point to put the `Cats one away from tying the game. Melvin Smith missed a jumper from eight feet out and as his teammate dished out rebound for a second attempt, Bush rejected the chance, stealing the ball and slamming it down in the open back court to put Texas State up by one, 90-89.

UTSA went to the line following the spectacle, as Bush was called for a technical foul after hanging on the rim. The `Cats sent San Antonio to the stripe for ten attempts after capturing the lead and the Roadrunners connected on every one, aiding in the seven-point victory.

As play commenced in the opening minutes, the tilt remained close, seeing four ties and five lead changes. At 12:16, with an 18-18 showing on the board, TXST fell behind the swift-paced `Runner squad on an 11-2 run. The Bobcats muscled their way back into the game, countering with a 10-3 drive, highlighted by a trey and two free shots from Benson. Brent Holder drained a three with just under three minutes in the first half for a 37-38 deficit and Jonathan Sloan hit three free throws to send the `Cats into half time down 40-41.

Free throw shooting aided the `Cats in the second half, sinking .867 percent from the line. Holder, who shared the team-leading 18 points with Bush, went a perfect 4-4 from the line and hit four three-pointers, as well.

For the game, the `Cats faired better overall, shooting 49 percent to the Roadrunners 46.8 percent from the field. Beyond the arc, UTSA hit 3-15 attempts, while TXST went 10-27, and at the line the `Cats set a ten point margin over the visitor, 82.4 - 72.3. Although fairing better, San Antonio still saw 47 appearances, as Texas State was whistled for 38 fouls, ten less than the orange squad. Three Bobcats and two `Runners were retired before the final buzzer due to five fouls.

Both teams finished with 37 rebounds, while Ty Gough and Antoine Dade grabbed a game-high 12 boards. Benson finished on 5-10 from the field and 3-8 from long-range to aid in his 16 points outing and Ryan White chipped in 12 points for Texas State.

Devin Gibson led Texas-San Antonio with 27 points and four other Roadrunners finished in double figures, with Dade grabbing a double-double with his 14-point tally.

Texas State will host West-division leader Stephen F. Austin Wednesday at Strahan Coliseum. Tip is set for 7 p.m.