Despite an outstanding defensive performance, key turnovers caused UTSA to fall to South Florida 66-61 Wednesday in the Convocation Center. A 15-point night from guard Christian Tucker was not enough to hold off the Bulls, as his late turnovers allowed South Florida to score eight points in the game’s final minute.
“We just weren’t good,” coach Steve Henson said of the loss. “It’s hard to be positive when you didn’t get it done.”
With Tucker serving as the team’s primary ball handler, the Roadrunners (8-19, 2-12 AAC) held a 3-point lead with two minutes left in regulation. Tucker immediately committed a crucial turnover with 1:39 left in the contest, allowing the Bulls (20-5, 13-1 AAC) to score a quick transition layup and cut the lead down to one. The guard once again turned the ball over on an overhead pass, giving South Florida a clear path to score in transition and take a one-point lead with a mere minute left.
“I turned the ball over too much,” Tucker said. “The ball was in my hands late, I take full accountability for that.”
A Bulls bonus foul sent UTSA forward Chandler Cuthrell to the line with a chance to give his team the lead, but the Roadrunner free throw attempt fell short. With 30 seconds left, guard Jordan Ivy-Curry shot two game-winning threes but ultimately missed wide. With no choice but to foul, the ‘Runners committed a flagrant one with 20 seconds left and sent Bulls center Kasean Pryor to the free-throw line. Pryor made the first and missed the second, though the Bulls immediately regained possession.
Quickly fouling, UTSA sent opposing guard Jayden Reid to the line where he hit both free throws to stretch the lead to four with 13 seconds left. A desperation 3-point miss from Cuthrell would seal the ‘Runner’s fate, as they fell to the Bulls 61-66.
“Obviously there’s frustration,” Henson said of the team’s emotional state. “There’s a lot of young men in that locker room, I think they’ve handled it as well as can be expected.”
Early on the Roadrunners struggled offensively, shooting 30% from the floor and committing nine turnovers in the first half. Despite falling into a quick 10-point deficit, the team was brought back within two thanks to the scoring of Tucker and Cuthrell. The duo combined for 14 first-half points, including a buzzer-beating floater from Tucker to end the period. Guard Isaiah Wyatt also contributed to the ‘Runners scoring effort, hitting two key 3s to bring the team back within single digits. Losing the rebounding battle 26-18, the ‘Runners failed to complete a first-half comeback.
The team will face North Texas at 3 p.m. Saturday in the UNT Super Pit.
