SAN ANTONIO – A 21-point performance from senior guard Jamir Simpson propelled UTSA men’s basketball past Southwestern Christian University 103-70 on Tuesday at the Convocation Center.
The first half was all smiles for the Roadrunners (3-2) as they dominated the Eagles (2-3) in every aspect of the game. The ‘Runners scored 20 points in the first seven minutes and quickly created a double-digit lead to start the contest. After establishing the lead, the Roadrunners never allowed the game to come within 10 points. UTSA’s ball movement looked effortless on the offensive end. The ‘Runners scored at will, whether from isolation sets or moving the ball around the perimeter to find the open man. Simpson feasted on the Eagles’ zone defense, scoring a team-leading 14 points in the first half. The Roadrunners consistently found open gaps on the court, scoring 53 first-half points easily.
“We came out with a great mentality to start,” coach Austin Claunch said. “There are really no complaints about the first 15 minutes of the game. To come home and get a win, it was really important to us.”
Defensively, UTSA was relentless to start the game. The ‘Runners forced 10 turnovers, registered seven steals and scored 22 points off mistakes from the Eagles and fast break opportunities. The team did its best to contain Eagles forward Michal Wooldridge, holding him to 13 points on 43% shooting. Strategic trapping, full-court pressure and an intimidating rim presence gave UTSA a comfortable 53-33 lead going into the second period.
“Quite frankly, we were really focused on the defensive side of the ball,” Claunch said. “We switched a lot, we had a couple more things in, and we didn’t let them get off a lot of threes.”
UTSA’s defensive effort looked shaky in the second half. Leading by nearly 20 points with 10 minutes to go, the Roadrunners committed questionable fouls and allowed a brief Southwestern Christian scoring run to cut the deficit to 12. Despite their defensive miscues, the offense remained efficient and kept the Eagles at bay. UTSA faced a full-court defense in the second period, though it had little to no effect on the game’s outcome. Every Roadrunner scored in the contest, and four, including Simpson, reached double-digits. UTSA shot 53% from the floor and a season high 47% from three. This victory serves as the Roadrunners’ highest scoring game so far this season.
“We’re just staying aggressive,” Simpson claimed. “Coach tells us to stay ready, so we’re always confident.”
UTSA will take on Abilene Christian University at 8 p.m. Monday in Jacksonville, Florida.
