SAN MARCOS, Texas – Four Bobcats scored in double-figures as Texas State (7-3) defeated Rice (7-3) 75-66 on Sunday afternoon in Strahan Arena. The victory extended TXST's winning streak to five games and its home court winning streak is now at 10 contests.
Leading the way for the Bobcats was Tyrel Morgan as he recorded his first career double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He also handed out three assists and recorded a steal.
Both Coleton Benson and Tylan Pope netted 13 points each. Benson was 4-for-8 from the field with three made three-pointers. Pope was 3-of-6 shooting and made all seven of his free throw attempts while blocking two shots.
Drue Drinnon made all four of his shot attempts that saw him knock down three buckets from beyond the arc. Kaden Gumbs contributed seven points and dished out six assists.
As a team, Texas State made 46.3% (25-of-54) shots, made 7-of-16 three-pointers and converted a season-high 90.0% (18-of-20) free throw attempts. The Bobcats also outrebounded the Owls 37-28.
Rice led for the first eight and a half minutes of the game until Benson entered the game. The junior guard made three consecutive treys that put TXST ahead 17-11.
Twice Texas State led by as many as nine in the first half. The first time came with 6:16 left on the clock when Drinnon hit the second of back-to-back three-pointers. A layup off fastbreak courtesy of Joshua O'Garro put the Bobcats up 32-23 with 3:47 to go in the period.
Eight of the final 11 points in the half were scored by Rice to make TXST's advantage be just four points at the break.
Four times the Owls were able to get within a point during the second half. The last time came after a layup at the 8:55 mark. Morgan fought through for a layup and Gumbs converted two free throws to put the Bobcats up 54-49 just 50 seconds later.
Texas State kept the visitors at a distance for the rest of the game with a dunk by Morgan with 31 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Next up for the Bobcats is a trip to the Sunshine State to face Florida Atlantic on Saturday for a 1 p.m. CT tip.
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