Texas State secured a crucial 59-54 win over Louisiana at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center, with Kaden Gumbs leading the charge. The Bobcats' top performer scored 18 points, matching Louisiana's Dorian Finister, who also had 18 points in the losing effort. The win marked a solid performance by Texas State, who improved their record to 11-11.
The first half saw Texas State take control, with the Bobcats heading into the break with a 29-22 lead. Louisiana struggled to find their rhythm, but Finister's 10 first-half points kept the Ragin' Cajuns within striking distance. In the second half, Texas State maintained their lead, thanks in part to a strong performance from DJ Hall, who finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Franck Emmou also chipped in with 12 points for the Bobcats.
Despite a late push by Louisiana, Texas State held on for the 59-54 win. The Ragin' Cajuns outscored the Bobcats 32-30 in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. De'Vion Lavergne added 10 points for Louisiana, while Jaxon Olvera contributed 6 points.
The win was a significant one for Texas State, as it marked a Quadrant 4 victory. While not the most impressive win, it's a crucial one for the Bobcats' resume, especially considering their current net ranking of 286. For Louisiana, the loss dropped them to 5-16 and a net ranking of 339, making it an even more challenging uphill climb for the Ragin' Cajuns.
This game was a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams, with Texas State ultimately emerging victorious. The Bobcats' ability to hold off Louisiana's late surge will be a valuable experience as they move forward in their season. With the win, Texas State remains in the hunt for a potential postseason berth, although their work is far from over.
The performance of Kaden Gumbs and Dorian Finister was a highlight of the game, with both players showcasing their skills. Gumbs' 18 points led the way for Texas State, while Finister's matching 18 points kept Louisiana in contention. The strong individual performances were a reflection of the talent on both rosters.
As the season progresses, Texas State want to build on this win and continue to improve their resume. With a current net ranking of 286, the Bobcats still have work to do to become a serious contender. However, the 59-54 win over Louisiana is a step in the right direction, and Texas State will aim to carry this momentum forward in their upcoming games. The win may not have significant tournament implications just yet, but it's a crucial step for the Bobcats as they strive to make a postseason push.