The UTSA Roadrunners men’s basketball team (7-16, 4-7 C-USA) halted their four-game losing streak, defeating the Florida Atlantic Owls (10-15, 5-6 C-USA) 66-56 at the Convocation Center on Saturday, Feb. 15. The win marked the Roadrunners’ fourth this season in conference play.

Three 3-pointers by senior forward Jordan Sims at the beginning of the game established an early Roadrunner lead. Despite the effort of the Owls, the UTSA offense never let up as Sims added 12 points for the Roadrunners in the last three minutes of the first half. UTSA led FAU 28-16 at the end of the first half.

“To start the game with a good start is what we are always looking for,” said Sims after the game, commenting on his team’s strong first half performance.

The Roadrunners finished the first half averaging 39.3 percent in FG and 45.5 percent in 3FG with 24 rebounds and eight turnovers.

UTSA tried to extend the lead at the beginning of the second half by using a full court press on the Owls; however, FAU cut UTSA’s advantage to three points with 12 minutes on the clock. Argentinean guard Pablo Bertone and guard Marquan Botley led the FAU charge.

The Roadrunners fought back though, with senior guard Devon Agusi leading the team with eight points in the last two minutes.

“I just put my head down and go for what I know,” said Agusi after the game. The senior ended the game with 23 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

“That’s how the game goes; we got to keep our concentration like we do every day in practice,” added Agusi after the game, commenting on his team’s resilience to fight back for the win.

UTSA finished the second half averaging 47.6 percent in FG and 16.7 percent in 3FG, while scoring 17-of-25 free throws, most of them during the last three minutes of the game.

The UTSA Athletics Department also honored their six seniors: Agusi, Keith Benford, Edrico McGregor, Sims, Hyjii Thomas and Tyler Wood. All six players competed in their last Saturday game as part of the UTSA basketball program, with five games remaining in the season — two Thursday home games and three away.

“It is a great win for our program, but an even greater win for our six seniors. I‘m happy for them. They meant a lot to our program, they all are very good kids, and all of them played well tonight.”

“They all are going to be UTSA alumni, and I am proud that I coached them and proud that they got this win tonight,” said UTSA Head Coach Brook Thompson after the ceremony.

The Roadrunners will try to extend their winning streak as they face off against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles and the Tulane Green Wave on Feb. 20 and Feb. 22, respectively.

“They are two tough places to play and two well-coached teams, but we got to get out there and try to win more games in Conference USA,” concluded Coach Thompson after the game.

UTSA will look to improve their conference record before the conference tournament begins March 11.