TXST MEN’S BASKETBALL
Coming back after a near month-long road trip, Texas State defeated the Arlington Baptist Patriots 97-49.
The Bobcats and Head Coach Terrence Johnson improved their record to 6-3 overall.
“It feels really good to be back home at Strahan,” Johnson said. We’ve been on the road seemingly for … it felt like about three weeks. I don’t think that’s anything new to anybody that knows our program. We usually cut our teeth on the road every year.”
The Bobcats saw the return of junior guard Coleton Benson who returned from a lower leg injury. In his first game of the season, Benson scored 11 points for the Bobcats including knocking down three three-pointers.
“It’s good to get my feet wet again and just compete,” Benson said. “I just missed the competitive nature of the game that we play. Just being out there, there’s no better feeling, especially going through some adversity, some injuries and just fighting through.
“It was a long, long six weeks, so I’m just happy I’m back and happy to help this team, help my guys and help my coaches.”
The Bobcats opened the game 7-3 run, capped off by a hard fought bucket made by senior forward Tylan Pope.
Arlington Baptist cut the lead down to 7-5 following the jumper only for the Bobcats to go on a 10-0 run to extend the lead 17-5.
A short 5-0 run by Arlington Baptist made it a 17-10 game, but the Bobcats responded with a 9-2 run to go up 26-12.
Arlington Baptist failed to cut their deficit to single digits as the Bobcats continued to roll in the first half before going into halftime up 50-29.
The Bobcats continued their dominance in the second half, outscoring the Patriots 7-4 to start the period and lead Arlington Baptist 57-33.
Texas State went on a 24-0 run, led by 11 points from a returning Benson and putting the Bobcats up 80-33.
The Bobcats later cruised in the second half for their fourth straight victory, winning 97-49.
Pope finished the game with 14 and 11 rebounds to complete the double- double, his second of the season.
“Just going into all of my last games and just to get up to this point, it was my focus,” Pope said. I just lock in on my focus. When I get in the game and I’m focusing, I’m locked in. Everything else takes care of itself.”
The Bobcats return back to Strahan for a showdown with the Rice Owls. Tip-off is set for today at 2:30 p.m.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
