Harris’ 21 Points secure victory for Texas State on Black History Month Night (2/19/2025)

By: Solomon Nash 

KTSW Reporter

San Marcos, Texas – Sophomore Guard Ja’Mia Harris had a career-high 21 points to propel the Texas State Bobcats to their first win in four games.  

After one week since their last matchup, the Texas State Bobcats would face off against the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns again, but this time on their home floor. It was not just any home game though, it was also Black History Month Celebration night.  

The Bobcats started the game strong defensively as they held the Cajuns to nine points compared to their 18, also forcing them to shoot only 10% from the field. The Cajuns earned most of their points at the free throw line as over 10 combined fouls were called in the first quarter of the game.  

The second quarter started very differently as Louisiana got off to a 9-0 run and tied the game at 18-18. The Bobcats kept their composure as they made their next four baskets and were able to extend their lead 27-21. Both teams kept the pressure on each other on both sides of the ball and went into the half with a score of 36-31 in favor of the Bobcats.  

 The third quarter could be described as a slugfest with how many fouls were called and how many bodies were getting checked. The void of scoring was getting filled by the amount of physicality on display, but the Bobcats maintained the lead, at one point making it a 42-35 ballgame.  

 That lead would hold until late third quarter where the Ragin’ Cajuns stormed back into the game, even taking a 46-44 lead. Texas State answered with a run of their own to snatch the lead and make it a 51-50 game heading into the fourth quarter. 

 Louisiana wasn’t done yet as they continued to climb their way back into the contest. ULL cut the lead to two-points when they made the score 57-55 with less than five minutes left in the match. Harris and Foster came alive late in the fourth for Texas State, combining for 10 points in a row as the Bobcats were able to close the game out with a final score of 69-58.  

The Heroics from Harris and Foster capped their nights off on a high note. Harris recorded a career high 21 points and five steals alongside Fosters’ 19 points and 8 rebounds.  

 Bobcats head coach Zenarae Antoine spoke about what this victory meant for the squad.  

 “Our first thought process this week is how this is senior week and it’s a celebration, so [we need] to go out there and get this win was the first step in making sure we finish strong.” 

 With the win, Texas State improves to an 11-15 record this season. 

 “We also want to try to figure out what we need to do to get better and try to go on a run in the [Sun Belt] conference tournament.”  

 Ja’Mia Harris spoke about what fueled this surge of play from her in this game. 

 “I just want to try and give the seniors a good note to leave on. I just let the game come to me today and I just had to worry about making the shots when it was time.”  

 The Bobcats will stay in San Marcos and play their final home game of the season on Saturday, Feb. 22 against Southern Miss at 2:00 p.m.