Costly turnovers and defensive blunders held UTSA back as they lost to St. Marys University 82-74 in overtime. Senior guard Primo Spears continued to lead the team in scoring, contributing 24 points, three assists and one steal to the team effort. Nearly pulling off the miraculous upset, UTSA managed to force overtime thanks to a clutch jumper from Spears.
Despite clawing their way back from a 20 point deficit to tie the game, the Roadrunners had no answers for the Gaels in the overtime period. Outscored 15-7 in the extra half, St. Mary’s continued to capitalize on the defensive blunders of UTSA. Committing 17 costly turnovers and giving up egregious offensive rebounds, the ‘Runners seemed to do everything they could to cough up the game late in overtime. Nearly all of the Gaels’ points came from the free throw line, as UTSA became increasingly careless with reach in and over the back fouls. Ending the contest on a Roadrunner turnover, UTSA was bested in a disappointing defeat.
While the ‘Runners did manage to string together incredible scoring runs throughout the game, it was once again the team’s defense that seemed to hold them back from yet another victory. Their flashes of greatness continued to be nullified by bad offensive possessions and careless rebounding, allowing St. Marys to slip away with a victory that was rightfully in UTSA’s hands.
Though the defeat itself was disappointing, it was not one without some positives to take away. The game’s second-half saw an incredible offensive display from Spears and sophomore guard Marcus Millender, who combined for 45 of the teams 74 total points. Millender and Spears both continued to come up big in the final minutes of regulation, with each scoring in tough situations to keep the team afloat. Sending the game into overtime on a mid-range jumper, Spears contributed to all of the team’s points in the extra period, chipping in five points and one assist.
While the offensive play of the team remains a key positive, UTSA will drastically need to improve their defensive discipline if they hope to win more games. The ‘Runners will have their hands full on the defensive end. If the team is unable to fix its problems quickly, expect more disappointing defeats within the near future.
