Texas State snapped a three-game losing streak and handed the Troy Trojans their first loss of the season in a 74-73 win for the Bobcats.
The Bobcats improved their overall record to 9-7 and their conference record to 2-2.
Texas State trailed for the entirety of the first half with Troy getting their largest lead at 11-points at 27-16 less than nine minutes remaining in the half.
However, a 15-5 run by the Bobcats cut the defesct to just a three point game as Texas State trailed 32-29 capped off by a layup made by sophomore point guard Kaden Gumbs.
Troy extended their lead to nine points following the three pointer with just six seconds remaining in the first half to enter halftime up 41-32.
The Bobcats opened up the second half by outscoring Troy 17-7 and tied the game at 49-49 following a three-pointer from senior small forward Dylan Dawson. Texas State later took their first lead of the game at 53-52 with 11 minutes remaining when senior power forward Tylan Pope hit a pair of free throws.
Both the Bobcats and the Trojans traded the lead back and forth with neither team holding a deficit larger than three points as the game entered the final frame.
Troy led 69-66 with less than three minutes remaining in the game before junior shooting guard Mark Drone hit the layup to make it a one-point game. It was Drone’s first game as a Bobcats after dealing with injuries during non-conference.
Drone later hit a three-pointer to put the Bobcats up 71-69 with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
The Trojans made the game-tying layup with 48 seconds remaining in the game only to foul Drone on the next possession. Drone hit the pair of free throws and the Bobcats were back up 73-71.
Troy tied the game at 73-73 with less than seven seconds left, leaving Texas State with just one possession before the end of regulation.
Drone made the pass to Pope who was fouled while shooting to send the Bobcats to the free throw line with 1.1 seconds remaining in the game.
After missing the first free throw, Pope made the second one as Texas State was back in front 74-73. Troy missed the desperation half-court heave, allowing Texas State to bring home the win.
Pope led the team in scoring with a game and career high 27 points along with 10 rebounds to complete the double-double. Drone was second in scoring with 17 points followed by Gumbs with 11.
The Bobcats will end their four-game road trip this Saturday against Southern Miss. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
