Bobcats Set the Tone with Season Opener Win

By Marlee Jackson

KTSW Reporter

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS ––– The Texas State Men’s Basketball Team opened up their season at Strahan Arena tonight with a gritty 67-55 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

As the Islanders arrived from the coast, The Bobcats prepared to defend their home court. Sophomore Center Robert Fields said that a big part of defending their home is due to the energy and atmosphere fans bring into the stadium.

“The crowd feeds into each and every one of us,” Fields said. “We live off of that energy that they bring.”

Not only was the stadium full of energy tonight, but the Bobcats new identity was also evident from their first step onto the court. Head Coach Terrence Johnson said this year, the team’s culture is to be aggressive in transitions on the court and to play inside out.

“We want to push the ball out of opportunity for the other team,” Johnson said. “That be rebounds or turnovers, we want to be aggressive in transitions.”

While strategic, physical identity is prevalent for the Bobcats’ identity this season, their connection with each other is just as important. Senior Forward Paul Djobet said the depth and intention of their connection is what makes this team stand out.

“We want to be the team that is most connected when we step on the floor,” Djobet said. “I think that is one of the reasons we won today.”

The identity and connection of this season’s roster for the Bobcats is significant when you understand how youthful the team is. Made up of mostly freshman and sophomores, Head Coach Terrence Johnson said that Sophomore Center Robert Fields has stepped up and led his team well.

“He has done a great job in taking responsibility and being a voice for the team.” Johnson said.

The Bobcats finished the night with 67 points, 26 rebounds, and 7 steals. Sophomore Forward DJ Hall takes the crown for most points, scoring 18 of the Bobcats’ points tonight.

The Bobcats next game will be right back in San Marcos at Strahan Arena on November 5th against Howard Payne University,