SAN ANTONIO — Despite a season-high 23 points from sophomore forward Baboucarr Njie, UTSA men’s basketball fell to Rice University 89-73 on Wednesday at the Convocation Center.
After going on a 7-2 run to end the first period and cut the deficit to 11, UTSA (4-13, 0-5 AC) had stolen all the momentum from the Owls (8-10, 2-3 AC). The Roadrunners came out swinging heading into the second half thanks to Njie, whose offensive scoring kept UTSA close in the waning minutes. Forcing numerous turnovers and converting on fast breaks, the ‘Runners looked destined for a victory with five minutes to go. Unfortunately, UTSA’s lack of defensive execution and fatigue held it back down the stretch. Soft fouls, an absence of rebounding and an inability to score in the final minutes handicapped what would have been a monumental victory.
“I was really proud of our fight in the second half,” coach Austin Claunch said. “It’s disappointing, obviously, but there were a lot of good things we could build on tonight. We just have to keep moving forward.”
Despite trailing by as many as 20 early on, the Roadrunners quickly turned the game into a dogfight with Njie, junior guard Austin Nunez and freshman guard Dorian Hayes at the helm. Each scored in double digits and brought an elite level of offensive intensity to the second half. Njie sparked the comeback for the team, grabbing offensive rebounds and relentlessly getting to the basket. His ability to score one-on-one single-handedly brought UTSA back from its once 20-point deficit. A thunderous dunk from Nunez nearly erupted the Convocation Center, as UTSA found itself now within a 10-point margin with a little over four minutes left.
“All of the shots I took just came to me naturally,” Njie said. “That’s what really gave me the ability to get the points I had, just not trying to force anything.”
Down the stretch, the ‘Runners struggled defensively. The Owls continued to pound UTSA on the glass, snagging offensive rebounds and forcing foul calls. Going to the charity stripe, Rice went 5 of 5 in the final minutes to keep the Roadrunners at bay. Fatigued and facing all of the Owls’ defensive attention, Njie and Nunez struggled to score late. UTSA ended the contest scoring four points in the final three minutes.
“Fatigue honestly did play a factor tonight,” Njie claimed. “But when you want to win, you have to figure out a way.”
The Roadrunners spent the entirety of the first half battling from behind. Despite trailing, UTSA refused to give up. Njie led the team with 10 points, along with Hayes, who chipped in nine. An impressive reverse layup from Njie capped off a 7-2 scoring run to end the half, leaving UTSA trailing 51-40.
The Roadrunners will take on the University of Memphis at 5 p.m. Sunday at FedEx Forum.
