MOBILE, Alabama. – A 17-point third quarter for the Bobcats propelled Texas State to a 63-44 win over South Alabama. Highlighted by a 10-0 run out of the gate and six points from Jaylin Foster, the Bobcats limited South Alabama to just four points in the third. That quarter allowed the Bobcats to put some space between a close halftime score, and control the second half. 
 
Foster and Ja'Niah Henson were in double digits for the Bobcats, with the pair going for 12 and 18. Henson paired six assists, five rebounds and two steals with her night, while Foster paired six rebounds, two assists and steal with hers. Both made big impacts on both sides of the ball.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Henson started off strong for the Bobcats, scoring the team's first seven points of the night. She went 3-4 in the opening quarter, leading the team. Morgan Hill, Kennedy Claybrooks and Tiffany Tullis each nabbed two of their own. Tullis and Jaylin Foster were good for two rebounds in the opening quarter as well.

The Bobcats played a strong second quarter, going for 14 points and reclaiming the lead headed into the halftime break. Henson was good for another six while Tullis helped out with the offensive rebounds, getting two in the second quarter. The Bobcats were able to capitalize off the Jaguars turnovers throughout the first half, with 12 of the teams 27 points coming off turnovers. 

Out of the halftime break the 'Cats went on a 10-0 run to take a 37-26 a commanding lead early in the third. The Jaguars shot just 1-12 in the third, scoring just four points while Texas State shot 7-17 and scored 17 points to take a 14 point lead into the final quarter. Foster led with six points in the third, followed closely by Kennedy Claybrooks off the bench. 

In the final quarter the Bobcats continued to shoot well, shooting 7-13 for 53.8%. Sierra Dickson shot 2-2 with a free throw to lead the Bobcats with five points. While limiting the Jaguars to just 27.8% shooting, the Bobcats were able to extend their lead and and close out the 63-44 win.

WHAT HEAD COACH ZENARAE ANTOINE SAID: "As usual, South Alabama is top tier. Especially with their community involvement, getting the kids in the arena made for a fun environment. I was proud of our resiliency today, especially with the second half coming out of the break and fighting for this game. That was huge."

STAT LEADERS

• Points – Ja'Niah Henson (18)
• Rebounds – Morgan Hill, Jaylin Foster (6)
• Assists – Ja'Niah Henson (6)
• Steals –  Ja'Niah Henson, Tiffany Tullis (2)
• Blocks – Jaylin Foster (2)

 
SCORES BY QUARTER
1st | Texas State 13, South Alabama 14
2nd | Texas State 14, South Alabama 12
3rd | Texas State 17, South Alabama 4
4th | Texas State 16, Arkansas State 18


GAME NOTES

• The Bobcats improve to 11-9 on the season and 2-6 in conference play after win at South Alabama.
• Fosters 12 point night was her 10^th double-digit game as a Bobcat. 
• Henson's 18 point night was her 15^th double-digit game as a Bobcat and her 4^th straight with 15+ points. 

UP NEXT
The Bobcats will finish their road trip with a trip to Louisiana on Saturday, Jan. 27, with the game tipping off at 2 p.m.. That game will be streamed on ESPN+. Following those games the Bobcats will return home to host Old Dominion on Jan. 31 for the annual 'Kids Game' inside Strahan Arena.