UTSA lost 78-73 to University of South Florida Wednesday at the Convocation Center.
Blowing a 20-point lead, the team’s offensive performance was marred by their defensive miscues. The Roadrunners (10-16, 4-10 AAC) allowed 12 consecutive points from the Bulls (13-14, 6-8 AAC) in the final minutes of the contest while only scoring two. The team went 1-4 from the field down the stretch, and they failed to score with a chance to take the lead. Although coach Austin Claunch attempted to make late adjustments, the team was unable to finish possessions, shooting 9-34 in the second half.
“We’ve got to find a way to slow their run at the end of the game,” Claunch said. “We’re disappointed in the finish. That’s on me.”
Leading by 20 points with nine minutes left, the Roadrunners only scored eight points for the remainder of the contest. The team shot 26% from the floor and committed eight turnovers in the second period.
Up by two with one minute left in regulation, the Roadrunners needed a defensive stop. Allowing seven straight scoring possessions from South Florida, the team gave up a quick score with 50 seconds left to tie the contest at 71.
Making his way up the court, sophomore guard Marcus Millender lost control of the ball, leading to a flagrant foul for UTSA. Shooting free throws and retaining possession, Bulls guard Brandon Stroud knocked down only one to give his team the 72-71 advantage. In search of a stop with 41 seconds left, senior guard Tai’Reon Joseph committed a blocking foul, sending the Bulls to the line once again.
“Our second-half defense has not been as good,” Claunch said. “It’s been that way throughout the season.”
Making one free throw, UTSA found itself down by two with 20 seconds left. Struggling to make an inbounds pass, the Roadrunners put the ball in senior guard Primo Spears’ hands with a chance to tie the game. Airballing the shot attempt, the team was again left with no choice but to foul.
While the team got the free throw miss it needed, UTSA fumbled the rebound, turned the ball over and gave possession back to South Florida. Forcing the Bulls into a free throw contest, the ‘Runners allowed nine points in just one minute.
UTSA had four players score in double-digits, including the backcourt tandem of Spears and Millender, who combined for 29 total points. Shooting 39% from beyond the arc as a team, the Roadrunners tallied 15 three-pointers on 38 attempts. Graduate guard Damari Monsanto enjoyed a standout performance, tying his career high in three-pointers made with seven and scoring 22 points.
UTSA will take on East Carolina University at 1 p.m. Sunday at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
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