After struggling to score down the stretch, UTSA fell to Memphis University 75-70 Tuesday at the Convocation Center.
The Roadrunners (11-18, 5-12 AAC) scored three points in the game’s final three minutes while allowing the Tigers (25-5, 15-2 AAC) to score six. Despite numerous late-game opportunities to tie, UTSA failed to create the necessary scores in its final home outing.
“I think every person in our program feels there’s a little more we could have done,” coach Austin Claunch said. “It never feels good to lose, but one of those shots goes in and we’re sitting here feeling very different.”
With a minute left in regulation, the Roadrunners faced a two-point deficit. UTSA forced its 22nd turnover of the night and quickly gained possession with 25 seconds left. Senior guard Primo Spears stood at the top of the key and left an isolation three-point attempt short of the rim. With UTSA forced to foul, the Tigers went perfect from the charity stripe, making both free throws and extending their lead to four with 10 seconds left. Needing a quick score, the Roadrunners attempted a three point shot that resulted in turning the ball over.
“We got the shots we wanted. I don’t have a problem with the shots we took,” Spears said. “We’re really just one bucket away.”
After leading for the first three minutes of the contest, UTSA battled from behind for most of the game. The team nearly overcame a double-digit second half deficit through numerous turnovers and fast-break points. The ‘Runners forced four turnovers in the game’s final four minutes and were a handful of points away from the upset.
In the first half, the Roadrunners scored 36 points on 43% shooting from the floor. Allowing a 13-1 scoring run with a little over 10 minutes left, the ‘Runners trailed for the majority of the period. Senior forward Jonnivius Smith led the team in scoring with 10 points and four rebounds in the first period. Smith also posted a season-high 18 points for the game. Second to him was Spears, who notched nine points — including a pair of last-second free throws to send the Roadrunners into halftime.
Four ‘Runners broke double-digit scoring in the game. Smith also led the team in rebounds with seven and collected one assist and steal. Sophomore guard Marcus Millender was second in scoring with 16 points and scored eight in the second period.
The team shot 38% from the floor and 29% from beyond the arc. Despite losing the rebounding battle, the Roadrunners bested the Tigers in assists, turnovers and steals.
UTSA will take on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte at 3 p.m. Sunday at Dale F. Halton Arena.
