Junior Devin Gibson scored a game
high 22 points and seniors Terry Fields
and Omar Johnson both pitched in
19 points a piece to halt the Bearkats
11-game winning streak in a 91-90
overtime victory Saturday night in the
Convocation Center.

The first half opened with both
teams shooting lights out trading the
lead four times. Sam Houston State
(19-6, 11-1) seemed to take advantage
of almost all scoring opportunities as
they jumped to a nine point lead with
only two minutes to go in the first
half. The Roadrunners, with the help
of a couple of 3-point shots by Morris
Smith, cut down the lead and finished
the half only down by two points.

The second half featured a much better
UTSA defense forcing the Bearkats
into 11 turnovers. The high intensity
Roadrunner defense also transitioned
to a more aggressive offense. The
Roadrunners attempted 22 free throws
in the second half and converted on 82
percent of them. Nevertheless, Sam
Houston State never gave up, fought
back from a deficit to tie the game and
forced overtime.

In overtime, Johnson and Gibson
came up big as the Roadrunners
would trade leads with Sam Houston.
Gibson’s free throws with 21 seconds
to go gave UTSA a one point
advantage.

The Bearkats missed their next
3-point attempt, Gibson grabbed the
rebound and was fouled immediately.
Gibson converted one of the two free
throws, leaving Sam Houston State
with 13 seconds remaining, down
two.

But Johnson’s steal on the following
possession was the game sealer for the
Roadrunners. Johnson was immediately
fouled with four seconds to play;
he hit both shots giving UTSA a four
point advantage and the guaranteed
win.

The men’s next game is Wednesday,
Feb. 24 against Northwestern State
(10-15, 5-7) in the Convocation Center.
Tip off is set for 7 p.m.