John Buggs III and Jacob Germany combine for 28 points to take down St. Mary’s at the Convocation Center on Monday night. Buggs III had a career-high 14 points, including eight points during a pivotal scoring run in the second half to give the Roadrunners (2-1) the 66-59 victory.

“Shots are just going to find you, so when I get the opportunity to shoot, I try to make it,” Buggs III said.

The Rattlers (0-2) led the ‘Runners the entire first half, going into halftime up 33-32. St. Mary’s had four players with seven points, while no one on UTSA had more than six; however, The Roadrunners came out of the break looking completely different, going on a 14-0 run. The Rattlers closed the gap to trail by two points with one minute to play, but a layup and free throws from Germany helped push the Roadrunners to a 66-59 victory. 

St. Mary’s scored the first five points of the game. Germany scored UTSA’s first points with a layup and the foul, making the free throw. UTSA trailed 9-8 at the under-16 media timeout. Buggs III made his first points with a three-pointer, tying the game at 14. The Rattlers led by as many as eight points with under three minutes in the half. The Roadrunners held St. Mary’s scoreless and shortened the deficit to trail 33-32 at the break.

UTSA took their first lead within the first minute of the second half from a Buggs III three. Germany had a layup, followed by another three-point make from Buggs III. Then, Japhet Medor stole the ball from a Rattler player and scored the fastbreak layup to make it a 10-0 run. Buggs III and Josh Farmer each got a basketball to extend the run and make the lead 46-33. 

St. Mary’s had a 15-4 run to make the score 50-48, forcing the Roadrunners to regroup in the under-8 media timeout. UTSA scored 10 points with under three minutes remaining, looking like the game was won. A quick free throw and layup by the Rattlers cut the lead to two points; however, free throws from Germany and Richards held off St. Mary’s and secured the victory.

UTSA had a higher shooting percentage from the field, three-point line, and free throw than St. Mary’s; however, the ‘Runners lost the turnover battle 21 to 16.

The Roadrunners next matchup will be against Texas State at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17.