Rivalry Renewed: Battle of I-35 dominated by Bobcats 

 By Brett Biermann 

KTSW Sports Reporter 

SAN MARCOS, Texas– The Texas State men’s basketball team came out on top against UTSA in the Battle of I-35 on Wednesday night, beating the Roadrunners 80-69 at Strahan Arena.  

The Bobcats never gave up the lead from tip-off to the final buzzer, but only shot 41.8% from the field and 20% from three-point range. The Bobcats dominated the boards offensively with 18 total offensive rebounds and 21 points coming from second-chance opportunities.  

Off the bench, Junior Guard Dimp Pernell led the Bobcats with 19 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 3-of-7 from three. Texas State finished the game with five players scoring in double digits. The freshman duo of Forward DJ Hall and Center Robert Fields owned the paint and combined for 21 total rebounds. The Bobcats out-rebounded the Roadrunners 47-to-33.  

After the game, head coach Terrence Johnson was pleased with the win, but acknowledged the Bobcats’ poor shooting from long range.  

“We didn’t shoot the ball very well today. We pressed a little more, and that will happen in rivalry games,” said Johnson. “One of the worst things you can do is hit your first shot, because now you think you have it and you’re already planning on the next one going in.” 

When asked about the rivalry, Johnson did not hold back about what it means to him. 

“This rivalry, we don’t take lightly. We understand that sometimes you have visitors and sometimes you have unwanted guests, and these are unwanted guests. It is our duty to treat them as such,” said Johnson. 

The second half continues to be a struggle for the Bobcats, giving the Roadrunners 43 of their 69 points in that half.  

With the win in the Battle for I-35, Texas State improves to 2-2 on the season and will enjoy a few weeks at home before the team leaves for Las Vegas to play in the Resorts World Classic.