Benson’s late overtime three propels shorthanded Bobcats over Southern Miss 85-82

By: Sparti Locklin

KTSW Reporter

SAN MARCOS– Texas, The Texas State Bobcats were able to hang on to beat the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 85-82 in overtime Saturday night, improving their record to 4-3 in conference play.  

Forward Tylan Pope led the way for the Bobcats scoring 28 points and collecting 12 rebounds. Junior guard Colten Benson had a night to remember scoring 23 points, including the go ahead three pointer that would give the Bobcats the win.  

Bobcats head coach Terrance Johnson spoke about what was behind the Bobcats resilience this game.  

“Our guys know they represent a warrior and that warrior is Tyrel [Morgan],” Johnson said. “These are some prideful guys and I am glad that they stepped up and did whatever they could to help us get the win.”  

Johnson also spoke on letting the Bobcats play out the final possession in overtime instead of fouling to prevent a three point look.  

“I was gonna let them ride it out, that team had 21 offensive rebounds on us last game so I was kind of hoping that we could get a stop.”  

Guard Colten Benson spoke about the go ahead three that gave the Bobcats the lead and ultimately led to a victory.  

“It was a good play call by coach T.J., we haven’t run that too often so they didn’t see it coming,” said Benson. “I set my feet and trusted my preparation, that’s all it is.”  

Both teams were neck and neck to start the game, but the Golden Eagles built a five point lead entering the last media timeout of the first half. The Bobcats were able to end the opening half on an 8-3 scoring run, tying the score at 39 a piece heading into the halftime break.  

The Bobcats started the second half strong opening up with an 8-0 scoring run right out of the gate, but the Golden Eagles responded with a 10-0 run of their own to regain the lead.  

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles were able to build a comfortable eight-point lead down the final stretch of the fourth quarter, but the Bobcats responded with a run of their own to make the game close in the final moments.  

Pope was fouled on the last possession of regulation with a chance to win the game at the free throw line but ultimately went 1-2 to send the game to overtime at 77-77.   

Overtime was just as tight as regulation time with Texas State and Southern Miss scrapping for the win, ultimately it was the Texas State defense and Benson’s three point jumper that lifted the Bobcats to victory over the Golden Eagles. 

With the win, the Bobcats improve to 11-8 overall and 4-3 in Sun Belt conference play where they currently sit as the fifth-ranked team in league standings. Southern Miss drops to 8-11 this season and 3-4 in the Sun Belt with the loss to Texas State. 

The next game for Texas State will be on the road against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin Cajuns Thursday, January 23rd at 3:00 PM inside the Cajundome.