Cedar City, Utah - The Thunderbird men's basketball team played a close contest inside the Centrum Arena Saturday night against the UT San Antonio Roadrunners, but fell in their home opener 82–79.
“We got off to a solid start,” SUU head coach Nick Robinson said. “Unfortunately turnovers caused us valuable possessions in the first half. UTSA did a great job of battling back and taking advantage of those opportunities. In the second half I thought we got the stops that we needed at crucial times down the stretch, unfortunately we missed some wide open shots, including at the free throw line which might have turned a corner for us.”
The T-Birds jumped out on Roadrunners early, taking an early 12–5 advantage. SUU controlled the tempo for most of the first half, and built up a lead as big as 11, but UTSA stormed back to take a lead and the score would eventually be tied at the half.
SUU's Race Parsons said the team let their foot off the gas pedal a little bit in the first half.
“I think we just took a break and relaxed,” he said. “Didn't keep up the tempo on defense like we should have, let their leading scorer get going, and that really hurt us.”
The second quarter went back-and-forth and remained extremely close down the stretch. With 20 seconds left SUU guard Race Parsons had a three-point look that would have put the Thunderbirds in the lead that rimmed out, and another shot that would have tied it didn't make it through, and UTSA came away with a 82–79 victory.
SUU guard Travon Langston led the team in scoring and rebounding with 15 points and seven rebounds. Parsons had 14 for the T-Birds, and Casey Oliverson and Trey Kennedy both were in double-digit scoring with 12 and 11 respectively.
Kennedy said the team will use the game as an opportunity to get better.
“We're just trying to learn,” he said. “We've got to keep our heads up and learn from it the best we can and take everything to the next game and the next practice.”
Ryan Bowie had a huge game for the Roadrunners, finishing the game with 33 points. J.R. Harris had 18 points for UTSA as well.
Next up for the Thunderbirds will be another home date on Tuesday with Cal State Fullerton. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the Centrum Arena.
Robinson said there are a few keys for his team moving into the next contest.
“I'd like us to concentrate a little bit more at the free throw line,” he said. “I'd like us to continue to execute offensively and we'll do a better job as a staff of getting us prepared mentally and defensively so we can improve.”
