Texas State delivered a dominating performance at Strahan Arena, defeating Western Michigan 77-61 in a non-conference matchup. The Bobcats' Mark Drone stole the show, scoring 20 points to lead his team to a convincing win. Drone's impressive outing was complemented by strong performances from DJ Hall, who added 16 points and 5 rebounds, and Kaden Gumbs, who chipped in with 15 points.
Mark Drone's 20-Point Performance Marks His 5th Game This Season with 20+ Points
The game was largely one-sided, with Texas State taking control from the opening tip. The Bobcats outscored Western Michigan 36-25 in the first half, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest. Western Michigan's Trey Lewis did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 19 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Texas State. Jayden Brewer and Carson Vis also contributed for the Broncos, with 13 points and 7 rebounds and 10 points, respectively.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The second half saw Texas State continue to pull away, outscoring Western Michigan 41-36 to seal the 16-point victory. The win marked a successful prediction for CHD Scout, which had forecasted a Texas State win by 14.1 points. In reality, the Bobcats exceeded that margin, winning by 16.
The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Texas State, the win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not particularly impressive, still helps to bolster their overall record. The Bobcats now sit at 15-11 on the season, with a net ranking of 260. Western Michigan, on the other hand, falls to 8-15 and sees their net ranking drop to 282. The loss is also a Quadrant 4 defeat for the Broncos, which won't do much to enhance their postseason prospects.
As the season enters its final stretch, Texas State want to build on this win and continue to improve their tournament chances. While this victory may not have been a marquee win, it's a step in the right direction for the Bobcats. With their strong performance, led by Mark Drone's 20 points, Texas State has demonstrated that they have the talent and depth to compete with a variety of opponents.