The UTSA men’s basketball team (1-0) began their 2019-2020 season with an exhibition game against the Texas A&M International University Dustdevils. After welcoming many new standout freshmen to the team, the Roadrunners are preparing for a long season with plenty of games on their home court.
Junior guard Keaton Wallace claimed the first points of the season within the first 30 seconds of play. The ‘Runners took advantage of the Dustdevils’ slower defense and forced 28 turnovers. The Dustdevils ran a sporadic offense, which allowed the ‘Runners to take advantage of their defense resulting in their 43% shooting from the field.
The ‘Runners began the game with a fast-paced 9-0 lead. The Dustdevils answered by taking advantage of the lack of ‘Runner coverage in the paint, which resulted in a 15-6 run. Junior Jhivvan Jackson and Wallace ran the offense with large glass coverage on defense. Of the 14 players, 13 ‘Runners scored, including freshman Jacob Germany, whose presence assisted the ‘Runners as he recorded multiple glass slaps in the second half.
The ‘Runners’ offense rallied in the second half with many dunk attempts. The Dustdevils claimed multiple fouls during the home stretch of the game. Senior Atem Bior stole a pass and followed up with a breakaway dunk which set the tone for the remainder of the game. The upperclassmen ran the offense as redshirt junior Adrian Rodriguez forced a turnover and recorded a putback, followed by senior Byron Frohnen with a fast break score after a block and multiple baskets to increase the score. Germany shined on offense after taking assists from Wallace to put up two dunks. The ‘Runners ended the game, 89-60, and looked towards the official start of their season against the Oklahoma University Sooners.
The ‘Runners will be on the road for the next few weeks as they travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to face the Sooners, on Tuesday, Nov. 5. After the trip to Norman, the ‘Runners will be headed to Florida to compete in the Sunshine Slam where they will face the Southern Illinois University Salukis, the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies and the University of Delaware Blue Hens.
The ‘Runners will be back in the Convocation Center to face the Wiley College Wildcats on Nov. 22.
