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San Marcos, Texas – In a nail biter that went down to the final buzzer, it was SMU who came out on top to beat Texas State, 78-75, at Strahan Coliseum tonight. The loss is the first of the season for the Bobcats, as they fall to 2-1 on the season.

Texas State trailed by seven points at the half, after shooting just 33 percent from the field and a season-low 11 made field goals. Joel Wright was the spark of the Bobcats' offense as he netted 10 points in the half to lead Texas State.

The Bobcats limited their turnovers in the second period and slowly crept to within arms' reach of SMU. After trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, Texas State cut the Mustangs' lead to two after a pair of made free throws by Phil Hawkins with 3:53 remaining. With less than two minutes to go Hawkins hit a jumper to cut SMU's lead to one (74-73).

Both teams traded baskets over the final two minutes, but it was a pair of free throws by SMU's Nick Russell that gave the visitors a 78-75 edge with seven seconds on the clock.

Texas State dribbled down the court and launched a last second three-pointer, but it bounced off the rim as time expired.

Wright finished with a career-high 28 points, going 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Wesley Davis chipped in 14 points and added four steals to his belt. The Bobcats finished 40 percent (26-65) from the floor and 85 percent (17-20) from the free throw line.

Nick Russell led SMU with 25 points, while Jalen Jones had 24 points and eight rebounds. Ryan Manuel added 14 points. The Mustangs shot 49.1 percent (26-53) from the floor and 85.7 percent (24-28) from the charity stripe. The victory improved SMU's record to 3-0.  

Texas State will travel to Alaska next week to participate in the Great Alaskan Shootout from Nov. 22-24. The Bobcats will play UNC Charlotte in their first game on Nov. 22 at 10:30 p.m. CT.