SAN MARCOS, Texas – A 92-43 victory over Howard Payne Monday night in Strahan Coliseum concluded the Texas State men's basketball non-conference schedule. All 13 Bobcats that dressed played at least 10 minutes with 11 finishing the night with a basket.
 
"I am happy, particularly by the defense that was played by the first seven or eight rotations," said head coach Danny Kaspar. "I expected to beat these guys but did not expect to control the game and pressure them as well as we did. Many of our players are buying into that we can win with our defense even with a mediocre offense."
 
Texas State (6-3) shot a season-high 56.6 percent from the field and made 30 baskets for the third time this year. From long distance, the Bobcats were 7-for-16 (43.8 percent) with a 5-of-7 performance in the second half. The Yellow Jackets (2-7) were held to 22.6 percent shooting in an exhibition contest for them.
 
Pacing TXST was Emani Gant with 18 points, seven rebound, two assists and a block in just 14 minutes of action. The senior forward was 7-for-10 from the field and made 4-of-5 free throw attempts. Kavin Gilder-Tilbury was the only other starter to reached double-figures with 11 points while dishing out a game-high four assists.
 
Coming off the bench, Courtney Julien tallied 14 points and both K.J. Malveau and Cameron Naylor recorded 13 points apiece. Malveau finished 3-of-4 from beyond the arc while Julien and Naylor were both 7-for-8 at the charity stripe.
 
Kendell Ramlal grabbed seven rebounds and blocked a game best three shots. Retrieving six boards apiece were Maljhum McCrea and Naylor.
 
The Bobcats opened the game with 16 straight points before the Yellow Jackets made their first basket. Twice Texas State stretched their lead to 27 in the opening 20 minutes, the last coming on a dunk by Naylor with 4:53 on the clock. HPU scored six of the final nine points of the half to cut the Cats' advantage to 42-19 at the break.
 
With reserves on the floor, the Bobcats closed the game on a 26-5 run over the last 9:21. Julien scored nine of the team's points and Malveau added six with two treys.
 
After the Christmas break, Texas State opens Sun Belt Conference play at home on Wednesday, December 30 at 7:30 p.m. against Georgia Southern.