Wrapping up TAMUCC...

Finishing touches

Texas State just can't seem to finish off its opponents.

The Bobcats struggled for what seems like the 10th time this season closing out a close game. Texas State led by eight points with 17 minutes remaining in the game, but saw the advantage dwindle.

Just nine minutes later, the Bobcats trailed by five points and it wasn't getting any better. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi opened up a 10-point lead before Texas State clawed its way back within six.

Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Bobcats got, as head coach Doug Davalos was whistled for a technical foul (his third of the season). The Islanders knocked down three of the four free throws awarded to them and iced the game.

Texas State turned the ball over seven times in the final eight minutes and missed six layups. The Bobcats had a chance to keep it close, but gave it away.

Throughout this season, Texas State has had trouble closing up shop. The Bobcats have lost four games in Southland Conference action by less than six points.

Davalos always speaks about how important the last four minutes of any basketball game are, and after the loss to TAMUCC, he called it, "hard to watch."


No help in the post

If Texas State needs any help, it better not look to its post players.

Ty Gough, Jonathan Sloan and Dylan Moseley are struggling this season. All three players combined to play 23 minutes against TAMUCC, scoring three points (1-of-7 shooting) and picking up four fouls.

The Bobcats did get 22 points in the paint, but it was mainly from Cameron Johnson and Brandon Bush. Johnson has been forced to play center since Gough and Sloan are ineffective.

Islander coach Perry Clark hypothesized that Texas State fouls so much because of their lack of quality post players.

"They foul a lot, but that's the way they have to play," Clark said. "They don't have a real dominant post guy and they need to get some steals and turnovers since they won't get it done in the paint."