Beaumont, Texas – Joel Wright lifted Texas State to a 74-61 victory over Lamar in its ESPN BracketBusters game sponsored by Ramada. Wright recorded his eighth 20-point scoring game of the season to help the Bobcats snap their five-game losing streak.

Wright registered 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four blocked shots. Deonte' Jones added 19 points (6-for-11; 3-PT FG). Matt Staff recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Texas State shot 42.6 percent from the floor and 63.6 percent from the free throw line.

With a 10-point halftime advantage, Texas State started the second half ready to play. Phil Hawkins completed a three-point play to begin the period and the rest of the Bobcats paid attention.

Lamar was able to cut the Bobcats' lead to 49-41 with 11:17 to go, but it wouldn't hold for long. D. Jones drained his fifth and sixth triples of the night, followed by a layup by Staff which forced the Cardinals to call a timeout.

Texas State continued its solid offensive play which led to 11 straight points by Wright, highlighted by a dunk going into the final media timeout.

The Cardinals tried to make a run in the final minutes, but the Bobcats kept them at bay to seal the win. The victory was the second straight year that Texas State has won its ESPN BracketBuster's game.

Both teams traded baskets in the first few minutes before the Bobcats went on a 13-0 run to extend their lead to 21-9. Vonn Jones nailed a triple with 8:32 to go in the first to give Texas State its biggest lead at 29-15. Wright scored the Bobcats final eight points in the half and Texas State took a 39-29 lead into the locker room.

Lamar was led in scoring by Amos Wilson who tallied 19 points. Stan Brown had a double-double for the Cardinals with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Lamar shot 36.1 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free throw line.

Texas State will return home for its final pair of home games next week. The Bobcats will host Seattle on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Texas State honor its seniors on Saturday, March 2 against Idaho.

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