UTSA men’s basketball defeated Wichita State University 88-75 on Jan.11 at the Convocation Center.
The Roadrunners (7-8, 1-2 AAC) had four players enter double digit points; the Shockers’ (10-6, 0-3 AAC) were unable to match UTSA’s offensive output as the ‘Runners crossed the 85-point mark for the fourth time this season.
“I’m so proud of their effort today,” coach Austin Claunch said. “What these guys are trying to build takes extreme effort. We’re getting better every day. Obviously, this was our best performance of the year.”
The first bucket of the match came from graduate guard Damari Monsanto, who drilled a three within the first minute of the game. UTSA took a 10-2 advantage after tough buckets inside the paint from sophomore guard Marcus Millender, senior guard Tai’Reon Joseph and an additional three from junior center David Hermes. Millender scored all 21 of his points in the first half, lifting UTSA out to an early lead.
Wichita State forward Corey Washington and center Quincy Ballard did their best to bring the game within reach, scoring a combined 11 points within the next few minutes and brought the score to 22-19 with UTSA still leading. Millender refused to let up and brought UTSA into the half leading 47-32.
In the second period, UTSA continued to pull away. Monsanto and senior guard Raekwon Horton posted double digits in the period, with Monsanto shooting 100% from the field and finishing with 17 points.
“It’s a competitive game,” Claunch said. “We did a good job keeping our composure. That’s a part of college basketball and I thought we did a good job coming out of that huddle and finishing the game.”
UTSA earned its first American Athletic Conference win in the Austin Claunch era. The Roadrunners went 52.5% from the field and 50% from the three. The ‘Runners notched eight blocks as a team in the win.
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