The Bobcats outlasted by the Red Wolves in Gold Out Game

By Grace Reddic  

KTSW Sports Reporter 

SAN MARCOS–  This past Saturday, the Texas State Bobcats and Arkansas State Red Wolves competed in an exhilarating matchup where the Bobcats ultimately came up short.

From tipoff to the very last buzzer, the Bobcats fought to the end; the final score of the game was 53-57, with the Red Wolves coming out on top. The battle ensued between the two teams throughout the entirety of the four periods, with the Bobcats fighting for every point that they put up on the board. While the Bobcats were close, they just weren’t close enough.  

At the start of the game, each team played with a particular fire and momentum behind them, making it an evenly matched game from the beginning. The Bobcats clinched the first lead of the game and throughout the entirety of the match, the lead was built upon by players such as prolific guard, Ja’Niah Henson. Henson secured a whopping 22 points for the Bobcats and, on top of that, had two assists, two rebounds, and one block. Henson was also 2-2 when it came to taking advantage of the Red Wolves’ fouls and converting the free throws. 

Other key players for the Bobcats would be forwards Morgan Hill and Tiffany Tulis, who also contributed to the offensive power of the Bobcats. Tulis finished behind Henson with nine points and five rebounds- tying Jaylin Foster for the team-high in rebounds. After Tulis, Morgan Hill would have eight points, two rebounds, and three blocks.  

Head Coach Zenarae Antoine explained how vital players like Tulis and Hill are to be involved in the play and contribute to the Bobcat’s offensive success.  

“Tiffany and Morgan bring what you call rim runners: really good athletes who can run the floor, sprint the floor, and who have the ability to get rebounds and continually rebound for us,” said Antoine. “They have the ability to be able to rebound for these young women, on some of their threes. Then they’ll go ahead and get those good put-backs and hope they get those and-ones.” 

While the Bobcats have the talent needed to be successful, the team continues to figure out what works for them and what doesn’t. After this loss to the Red Wolves, the Bobcats are now 10-9 and 1-6 in conference play. Moving forward, Antoine elaborated on what it will take to finish strong and what will need to happen in future games. 

“I think our communication and trust is going to be critical in these moments,” said Antoine. “Staying together and understanding that we all want the same thing and that we all need to be on the same page in doing so, and in the times that we’re not, make sure we communicate through that.” 

Next up for the Bobcats will be their match against South Alabama, which will take place on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m.