SAN ANTONIO – A lack of offensive and defensive execution held UTSA men’s basketball in check, falling to the University of the Incarnate Word 71-59 on Saturday at the Convocation Center.
The Roadrunners came out flat on both sides of the ball in their exhibition home opener. UTSA allowed the Cardinals to go on a 10-0 scoring run early, which put the team in a hole they were unable to climb out of. Costly turnovers, lack of offensive execution and defensive carelessness forced the Roadrunners to surrender what looked like an easy win to start the season.
“This is a reality check for everyone, including myself,” head coach Austin Claunch said after the game. “They were better in every facet of the game. For us to start the way we did, there’s no excuse for that.”
The Roadrunners failed to get in rhythm in the opening period. Their inability to defend in the half-court and transition thrust them into a double-digit deficit to start the game. The offense proved no better, as the team shot inefficiently from the field and failed to execute offensive plays. Quick substitutions also played a major role in UTSA’s early struggles. In 10 minutes of play, Claunch made more substitutions than the Roadrunners had points. The deficit continued to grow as Incarnate Word rained in threes. Finishing out the half with a turnover, UTSA trailed 49-33. The Convocation Center fell silent as the Cardinals continued to chirp.
“Incarnate Word did a good job of coming out and swinging first,” freshman guard Dorian Hayes said. “We just kind of sat there and took the punch. It’s not the outcome we wanted.”
The second half was split into two quarters, a decision made by both head coaches. Despite a noticeable difference in effort, the first quarter was much of the same for UTSA. The offense ran fluently, but defensive mistakes prevented the ‘Runners from regaining the lead. The Roadrunners consistently allowed the opposition to split double teams, gave up open lanes to the basket and snag offensive rebounds. UTSA failed to match the relentlessness of Incarnate Word, and at times, the team looked gassed on both sides of the court. UTSA finished the quarter trailing 71-59. Senior guard Jamir Simpson and junior Brent Moss led the team in scoring with 12 points apiece.
“We’re not playing winning basketball right now, and that’s disappointing,” Claunch stated. “You’re going to see a different team in 10 days.”
The second quarter saw both teams emptying their bench and letting non-starters play the rest of the game. The score was reset, and the ‘Runners won the quarter 17-16.
UTSA will open its season against the College of Biblical Studies at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Convocation Center.
