San Marcos, Texas – Despite jumping out to an early lead to start the game, Texas State (3-5) men's basketball fell to Oral Roberts tonight, 86-77. Matt Staff led the Bobcats with 19 points and six rebounds. Joining Staff in double figures was Joel Wright with 17 points and Corey Stern 12 points.

Texas State's starters were in foul trouble early in the game. All three of the Bobcats' leading scorers had a pair of fouls at the half, although they managed to finish the game well.

The Bobcats were down by five at the half, but a layup by Wesley Davis at the 17:39 mark cut the Golden Eagles lead to two. Texas State kept Oral Roberts (5-4) within a six-point range for the first four minutes of the half, but the Golden Eagles offense was able to turn things up. Oral Roberts stretched its lead to 13 points (63-50) after Shawn Glover connected on a fast break jumper.

Texas State trimmed the Golden Eagles lead to five points thanks to a Phil Hawkins three-pointer with a little over three minutes remaining. From there Oral Roberts took advantage of a few missed shots by Texas State, as it escaped with the win tonight at Strahan Coliseum.

Texas State led by as many as 11 points in the first half when Stern completed a three-point play to give the Bobcats a 23-11 advantage. Wright was a key figure in the Bobcats offensive charge, going 4-for-4 from the floor to start the game. Texas State shot 59.3 percent in the first half, and 50 percent for the game. The Bobcats also shot 72.7 percent from the charity stripe.

The Golden Eagles were led by Warren Niles and Damen Bell-Holter who both finished with 21 points apiece. Oral Roberts shot 47.8 percent from the floor as a team, and 70.8 percent from the free throw line.

Texas State continues its three-game home stand on Saturday, Dec. 8 when it welcomes UT Pan American to Strahan Coliseum. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.