Senior Tylan Pope’s six points in double OT were key for the Bobcats run, as he made himself an inside presence to finish down low. His buckets would push the lead to eleven points, 100-89 after connecting both his free throws with just over thirty seconds remaining.  Junior point guard Mark Drone would add two more free throws for the 'Cats final offensive tally.

Texas State’s defense helped close this game out just prior to Drone’s free final free throws, he would get a steal and find Joshua O’Garro for the fastbreak dunk to give the ‘Cats a 98-89 lead over JMU with thirty-six seconds left in double overtime.  

This win for the Bobcats started with early offensive struggles, shooting sub 40% throughout most of the first half, but were able to do a complete reversal from the 2nd half on out. Finishing the game shooting at a 58% clip from the field, and 50% from behind the arc. 

Early on, the smaller defense had it's work cut out for it as 6’11” Elijah Hutchins-Everett for JMU, scored back-to-back low post buckets to extend the lead 23-14, midway through the first half.  

The rhythm for the Cats picked up on offense as Coleton Benson’s 3-point shooting was a spark plug off-the-bench that ignited the team towards the end of the first half and the rest of game.  

Pope led the way in scoring with 23 points, followed by Benson’s 21-point game. Benson would go 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Four other players for Texas State scored in double figures, showcasing their depth of talent when healthy.  Tyrel Morgan had 19pts, Mark Drone 18pts, and Joshua O’Garro with 12pts.  

With all hands-on deck, Texas State Head Coach Terrence Johnson was creative with his lineups, using mainly four guards and one Center versus a JMU team that is big and physical.  

“We felt like it was going to be a little harder for them to matchup with us on the other end,” said Johnson, “Although they're small, they’re two of the better rebounders in our conference, Joshua O’Garro and Tyrel Morgan.”

The Bobcats cap off the regular season winning 3 out of their last 4 games, builidng some momentum and totaling a 16-15 record and 9-9 in conference play. They are now heading to the Sunbelt Conference Tournament as the #7 seed and look to continue extending their season as it’s win or go home. The Sun Belt Conference tourney starts next Thurday in Pensacola, FL, as the Bobcats await final seeding to determine their opening opponent.