SAN MARCOS — In the I-35 Rivalry, Texas State men’s basketball took control of the highway by defeating UTSA 80-69, moving to 2-2 on the season. After the win, Texas State coach Terrence Johnson did not shy away from the importance of the in-state matchup.
“This win was for this fan base,” Johnson said. “Sometimes you have visitors, and sometimes you have unwanted guests. These were unwanted guests, and it was our absolute duty to treat them as such.”
In front of a crowd of 2,752, the Bobcats held their nerve as the Roadrunners made a late push. UTSA guard Moss Brent cut the lead to 67-61 with four minutes and 17 seconds left, but Texas State guard Dimp Pernell’s third three-pointer of the game ensured that UTSA did not get any closer.
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Pernell led all scorers with 19 points on six-of-12 shooting and three-of-seven from three-point range. Texas State freshman forward DJ Hall had 11 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while guard Kaden Gumbs had 11 points, five rebounds and seven assists.
Here are some takeaways from Texas State’s win.
Holding onto the rope
Texas State fought hard against Tulane last Saturday, ultimately losing 79-71 despite holding a 39-26 lead after one half. Johnson said that against Tulane, his team didn’t show up as well in the second half. In a similar situation Wednesday, however, the Bobcats refused to “let go of the rope,” as Johnson put it.
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“They started holding themselves accountable. They started committing to getting a stop instead of trying to outscore guys,” Johnson said.
Pernell said that being away from home made things difficult in the previous game. But back in San Marcos, the full support of Strahan Arena helped Texas State stay locked in as things began to get tight at the end.
Hall echoed Pernell’s point, saying that the energy from the beginning of the game seemed to shake UTSA, leading to turnovers and a quick lead for Texas State.
“That was the most fans I’ve ever played in front of, for sure,” Hall said.
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Texas State Bobcats guard Kaden Gumbs (11) looks for an open pass during the first half as the Bobcats play the Texas A&M San Antonio Jaguars at Strahan Arena in San Marcos, Nov. 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Some shaky three-point shooting
Aside from Pernell, Texas State did not shoot the ball well against UTSA. They finished with a 20% mark from beyond the arc, with only Pernell and Franck Emmou even attempting more than two three-pointers. Johnson said Emmou, who went one for seven from three, was pressing against UTSA’s zone defense, leading to some poor attempts and inconsistent form.
“It’s just some little things that he’s just got to look at and kind of settle himself down,” Johnson said. “But he’s a good player, you know, he’s gonna make more than he misses.”
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Over the course of four games, Emmou and Pernell are the only two players who have attempted more than 10 three-pointers. It’s early, but consistent contributions from distance could be an issue for Texas State going forward.
Texas State starting post Makai Willis exited the game partway through the second period, rubbing his right thigh. And although he returned to the bench later on, he never reentered the game. Freshman Robert Fields had found his rhythm, finishing with nine points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
Fields and Hall, the two highest-rated recruits in Texas State history according to 247Sports, finished the game sharing the court. While Hall stuffed the sheet on the offensive end, Fields showed off his defensive prowess by deterring drivers with his length and blocking two shots.
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The two are living up to their billing and have provided an immediate impact for the Bobcats. While Johnson said they aren’t perfect, he is high on their potential and their connection.
“They look for each other, they play hard for one another,” Johnson said. “They’re gonna have to grow up really, really fast for us if we’re gonna be any good.”