LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Texas State men's basketball team struggled defensively Saturday night, falling to UALR 69-61, at the Jack Stephens Center in Little Rock. 

"We did not come ready to play," head coach Danny Kaspar said. "I was very disappointed in the first half. We need to come play every game like it could be our last." 

UALR was red hot offensively, shooting 52 percent from the field in the first half en route to a 32-23 lead. The Trojans, which started five new players compared to their previous games, had three players finish in double figures. 

D.J. Brown led the Bobcats back in the second half, hitting a team-high three three-pointers as Texas State began the half on a 15-6 run to tie the game at 38-38.

A key sequence in the game occurred with 10 minutes remaining and the Bobcats down 48-40. Emani Gant scored a layup and had contact with a UALR on his way to the basket. The Trojan bench argued with the officials that an offensive foul should be called. The officials did not agree and assessed the Trojans two technical fouls. Ethan Montalvo made three of the ensuing four free throws to cut the deficit to 48-45.

The teams traded baskets for the next few minutes until it was 53-50 in favor of UALR with 7:05 to go. From there the Trojans went on an 8-0 run to take a 61-50 lead, their largest of the game. 

Emani Gant finished with a near double-double, tallying 14 points and nine rebounds. Cameron Naylor continued his solid play, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds. 

The Bobcats will begin a two-game home stand on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m., against UT Arlington. Thursday's game is available on radio on 89.9 FM KTSW and online at www.txstatebocats.com/radio.