JONESBORO, Ark. – The Texas State men's basketball team (9-9, 2-4 Sun Belt) battled for all 40 minutes Saturday afternoon in the First National Bank Arena, but it would be Arkansas State (12-5, 4-1 Sun Belt) that claimed an 83-82 victory.
 
"I thought we were a resilient group today. I'm proud of our guys' effort, fight and their connectivity," said head coach Terrence Johnson. "There are no moral victories in this, but I thought we took a step toward bringing culture to the floor. Hopefully, we can heal up and get ourselves back for these next two home games."
 
DJ Hall recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 16 points and matched his career-high of 12 rebounds. The freshman finished 7-of-12 form the field while also recording three assists and two steals.
 
The only other starter to reach double-digits was Kyndall Davis with 10 points, eight of which came in the first half. He grabbed six rebounds and matched his season best of three assists.
 
Coming off the bench, both Jalen Bolden and Franck Emmou scored 12 points apiece. Bolden set a new season-high with four steals while Emmou matched his career best of four assists. Makai Willis was the fifth Bobcat in double-figures with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting and knocked down both of his free throw attempts.
 
Except for a dunk by Tay Knox, the Red Wolves led throughout the first half. Their largest lead would be 10, which they reached three times. The latest was at 41-31 with 2:28 left in the period.
 
Hall converted a layup to start a 6-0 run for Texas State heading into the final seconds of the half. However, Christian Harmon knocked down a long jumper from the right corner just before the buzzer sounded to send the hosts into the break leading 43-37.
 
The Bobcats would stay within striking distance and eventually tied the game at the 10:21 mark. Bolden's lone made three-pointer of the game was followed by Willis converting a layup to knot the score at 60-60. ASU would answer with a bucket of its own to retake the lead.
 
Over the next three and a half minutes, Texas State tied the game three more times. The last of which came when Emmou converted two free throws to make it a 66-66 contest.
 
The Red Wolves responded with a 6-2 run to go back on top and wouldn't relinquish the lead the rest of the way.
 
Eight times over the final 4:31 saw the Bobcats get within at least three points. The last time was with 0.9 seconds remaining when Fields was fouled on a putback layup. He tried to miss the shot to give TXST a putback opportunity but the ball went through the net instead. The Red Wolves then inbounded the ball to run out the clock.
 
Next up for the Bobcats is a home game on Wednesday against Louisiana at 7 p.m.
 
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