An efficient scoring performance propelled UTSA to a 117-58 win over Southwestern Adventist University Thursday in the Convocation Center.
Graduate guard Damari Monsanto led the Roadrunners (6-5) with 22 points and six three-pointers in the victory over the Knights (1-9).
“I was just happy with our focus,” coach Austin Claunch said of the home win.“I’m really proud of our guys. As a unit, we’re getting better, but we still have a lot of work to do.”
Things got going early for the Roadrunners, as they quickly created a double-digit lead to start the game. The offensive showcase was spearheaded primarily by Monsanto, who knocked down four threes within the first five minutes of the half. Leading the ‘Runners with 16 first-period points and 22 total, the graduate achieved a new personal season high.
“Nothing but shoot,” Monsanto said of his mentality during his scoring stretch. “That’s how I’ve been my whole career, just shoot the ball.”
Feeding off of the guard’s hot hand, the ‘Runner offense continued to shine throughout the opening period. The team routinely scored off of open-court fast breaks, including a monstrous transition alley-oop from senior guard Primo Spears to senior center Jonnivius Smith. Senior and sophomore guards Skylar Wicks and Nazar Mahmoud also contributed heavily to the team’s 20-point lead, as both scored a combined 18 points in the game’s initial 20 minutes. Ending the half on a last-second three-pointer from Mahmoud, UTSA finished the first period leading the Knights 61-24.
“We have a lot of good players,” Claunch said. “They’re all capable of putting up big-time numbers.”
The second half proved to be more of the same for the Roadrunners, as they maintained a 40-point lead for all of regulation. Continuing to put defensive pressure on the Knights, UTSA created 22 turnovers while only committing seven. In an incredibly efficient game, the team shot 50% from the field, 45% from beyond the arc and 70% from the free throw line. Five players scored in double-digits, including a season-best 20 points from Wicks. The Roadrunners broke 100 points at the seven-minute mark, stretching their lead to nearly 60 points.
UTSA will face Army Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. in Christl Arena.
