In a clash of former conference rivals, Texas State was unable to overcome a strong third quarter from the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, losing 79-60. The Bobcats fall to 2-3 overall in the 69th meeting between the two teams.
It was a tough night for the Bobcats and Head Coach Zenarae Antoine with 24 turnovers despite holding a 34-18 lead midway through the second quarter.
“The game started out really good [for us],” Antoine said. “We were on fuego. SFA did a good job of making adjustments and we struggled with getting some good stops as well as turning the ball over in the second quarter.
“We came out in the third quarter and didn’t execute. It festered from there with the turnovers, not getting touches, and not stopping them from getting paint touches. Then you saw the frustration setting in. That makes it really difficult.”
The Bobcats started off hot in the first quarter, jumping out to a 16-5 lead capped off by successful four-point play by senior forward Jaylin Foster.
The Lumberjacks were able to cut the lead down to four following a 9-2 run but the Bobcats still led 18-14.
At the end of the first quarter, Texas State led Stephen F. Austin 25-18.
The Bobcats once again started off hot, going on a 9-0 with Foster scoring the layup to extend the lead 34-18.
“We were aggressive and we did what we did best by moving the ball around while getting paint looks and touches,” Antoine said. “We were aggressive defensively in the first quarter and we didn’t turn the ball over as much.”
SFA proceeded to outscore the Bobcats 17-2 to close the second quarter as Texas State held a 36-35 going into halftime.
The Lumberjacks then ouscored the Bobcats 24-3 in the third quarter to lead 59-39.
The Bobcats were unable to climb out the hold as SFA went on to win 79-60.
Texas State will be on the road next Saturday against the UT-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros.
