FORT WORTH, Texas – Senior forward Nighael Ceaser posted his third career double-double in helping lead the Texas State men's basketball team (6-4) to a 71-65 win Saturday evening over former conference rival UT Arlington (4-7) in Dickies Arena. He finished with a career-high 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, one shy of his career best.
 
"I felt like Nighael could come in and impact the game in a positive way at the four position. I am most proud that he allowed the game to come to him," said head coach Terrence Johnson. "He made tough shots around the rim and took full advantage of knocking down some open threes. When he is playing like that and still rebound at a high clip, we are a tough team to beat."
 
Ceaser finished the game 8-of-14 from the field, went 2-for-5 on three-pointers and converted all five of his free throw attempts. The only other Bobcat in double-figures was Drue Drinnon with 10 points. Both Tuongthach Gatkek and Nate Martin finished with eight points apiece off the bench. Gatkek tied his season-high of three blocks as well.
 
"Anytime you have a chance to compete against a rival school, can stay locked in like we did for 40 minutes and come out with a victory, you got to be proud of your guys," said Johnson. "This was a great event that matched up pretty evenly matched teams. I thought our guys did a great job of responding. Having Nighael back was crucial and Drue Drinnon executed the game plan with Mason Harrell playing off the ball."
 
The first half saw TXST dominate in the paint, where it scored 24 of its 33 points, on the way to holding a nine-point advantage.
 
In the second half, the Mavericks twice got to within four with the last being at 10:42. The Bobcats kept them at arm's length and went 9-of-11 at the charity stripe over the final two minutes.
 
Next up for TXST is Mary Hardin-Baylor on Tuesday in Strahan Arena at 7 p.m. It is the first of five consecutive home games to close out the month.
 
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