SAN MARCOS, Texas –The Texas State defense held Arkansas State to a 28% shooting mark from the field, but ASU made 18 of its 22 free throws and upset the Bobcats 56-53 at Strahan Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Red Wolves (4-9, 1-1 SBC) forced the Bobcats (7-6, 0-2 SBC) into 19 turnovers and had a 22-5 advantage in points off takeaways.
"Obviously starting out conference play 0-2 is not something we wanted to do and not something we prepared for," said Texas State head coach Zenarae Antoine. "I think my coaching staff did a good job preparing the team for these two games understanding how hard these teams play. In conference play you have to be able to execute and we didn't execute and the last two games. We put the other team to the free throw line, and they've executed."
The Bobcat defense held Arkansas State without a field goal the last 5:42 of the game but could not get over the hump offensively. The TXST defense forced an Arkansas State shot clock violation with 1:11 left in the fourth quarter. Moments later sophomore forward Da'Nasia Hood converted a short jumper from junior forward Jayla Johnson's feed to bring the Bobcats within one, 51-50, with 53 seconds remaining in the game. The defense again forced another shot clock violation but could not capitalize on its next offensive possession.
Texas State was called for an intentional foul which gave ASU two shots and the ball back. The Red Wolves split their first two free throws and were fouled again and made both to earn three points on one possession and take a 54-50 lead with five seconds left.
The Bobcats raced down the floor and senior guard Brooke Holle made her only three-point field goal of the day to bring TXST within one with three seconds left. ASU made two more free throws to earn the 56-53 win.
Arkansas State's 82% day at the free throw stripe proved to be the difference compared to Texas State's 57% (8-for-14).
Junior guard Avionne Alexander scored a career-high 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting and registered five rebounds and four assists. Hood led the team with 14 points. Brooke Holle paced the squad with eight rebounds and collected three assists and two steals. Senior guard Bailey Holle made her first start of the season and played all 40 minutes.
The Bobcats had their biggest lead of four points at the 8:56 interval of the third period in a game that featured nine lead changes.
ASU's Jireh Washington led all scorers with 16 points.
Up Next
Texas State makes its first road swing during Sun Belt Conference play and travel to Coastal Carolina at 5 p.m. CST on Thursday, Jan. 9.
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