UTSA men’s basketball returns home for its matchup against Southwestern Christian University on Tuesday at the Convocation Center. The contest is the lone matchup on the Roadrunners’ schedule this week, and it looks to be a favorable one. Surpassing the Eagles in nearly every statistical category this season, UTSA has faced a much tougher schedule through the first three weeks. While the odds of victory are heavily in UTSA’s favor, head coach Austin Claunch believes it will take a formidable defensive effort to leave the Convocation Center with a win.
“They’re a confident bunch and they can really shoot the ball,” Claunch said. “They’re not going to come in here intimidated or worried, so we need to have a sound game plan defensively.”
Defense is one of the biggest flaws plaguing the Roadrunners this season. Whether it is miscommunication, guarding in one-on-one situations or finishing out plays with a rebound, UTSA has continuously made mistakes on the defensive end. Though the team has managed to produce incredible halves of play, they will need to execute for the game’s entirety if they are to win Tuesday and throughout the remainder of the season.
“Defensively we’re still moving around and figuring out some different things,” Claunch claimed. “It’s attention to detail, obviously, but it’s mostly just the ability to shift and make adjustments mid-game. We have got to maintain a focus level.”
The ‘Runners’ gameplan will likely center on containing Eagles’ forward Michal Wooldridge and guard JaColby Williams. The tandem are the leading scorers for the Eagles, and make up 40% of the team’s overall points per game. The ‘Runners will need to be hyperfocused headed into the contest, clogging the paint and preventing open shots from the outside. Stopping Wooldridge from getting to the hoop and keeping Williams beyond the three point line will be key factors in the Roadrunner victory.
Offensively, UTSA should have no issues running their sets and putting points on the board. Claunch showed no signs of concern regarding the offensive side of the ball, as he spoke confidently about his players ability to score and make crucial plays in tight contests.
“We’re starting to come into our own offensively,” he said. “We have a group that wants to get better, and when you have that in your locker room, that gives you all the confidence as a head coach to just keep building.”
Tuesday’s matchup will be a solid tune up game for the Roadrunners as they gear up for their entry into the Jacksonville Classic Tournament next week. If the team is able to execute on the defensive end for 40 minutes, UTSA will have no trouble coasting to its third victory of the season.
