UTSA University Men’s Basketball Falls Short Against Tulsa

News Summary

In a thrilling American Athletic Conference home opener at the UTSA Convocation Center, the Roadrunners battled hard against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane but ultimately lost 82-77. Senior guard Primo Spears delivered a remarkable performance, scoring a career-high 40 points, though it was not enough for the victory. Despite the defeat, the Roadrunners showed promise in their fast-paced playing style and strong fan support, setting their sights on a crucial matchup against Wichita State next.

UTSA Roadrunners Men’s Basketball Battles Hard But Falls Short Against Tulsa Golden Hurricane

San Antonio, Texas – The atmosphere was electric at the UTSA Convocation Center on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as the UTSA men’s basketball team kicked off their American Athletic Conference (AAC) home opener against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Fans packed the stands supporting their team, hoping to witness an exhilarating showdown. Unfortunately, despite a valiant effort, the Roadrunners fell to Tulsa with an end score of 82-77.

A Home Game with Excitement

As the Roadrunners stepped onto the court, they were looking to bounce back after a tough loss in their AAC opener against Tulane. The stakes were high for the team sitting at a record of 6-7 (0-1 AAC) while Tulsa carried a record of 6-9 (0-2 AAC). Not only was it a chance for redemption, but it was also a chance for fans to enjoy a special promotion – tickets went for only $10 for this highly anticipated matchup!

Adding to the buzz, the first 500 fans through the doors received a Coach Claunch Bobblehead in celebration of Head Coach Austin Claunch’s inaugural game in the AAC. This thoughtful gesture was a hit with the crowd, creating an atmosphere full of enthusiasm.

Game Highlights

The game was broadcast live on ESPN+ alongside a radio transmission on Sports Radio AM 760 The Ticket. As the excitement unfolded, the Roadrunners showcased their signature fast-paced playing style, ranked a remarkable 22nd nationally in pace, with an average of 17.4 fast break points per game.

Senior guard Primo Spears put on a jaw-dropping performance. While he scored a career-high of 40 points, helping keep the momentum alive for the Roadrunners, he faced challenges in the final minutes of the contest, ultimately falling short despite the high score. Spears currently ranks ninth in the nation for scoring, averaging 22.4 points per game.

Raekwon Horton also showed his skills, chipping in with 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The Roadrunners held a lead as large as 16 points early in the second half, putting them in a strong position, but unfortunately, they couldn’t hold onto their advantage.

Turning Points and Future Matches

Despite the loss, the match showcased UTSA’s defensive prowess as they are currently ranked 21st in the NCAA for forcing turnovers, with opponents committing an average of 16.2 turnovers per game. As they looked to improve their standing within the conference, head coach Claunch reflected on the need to maintain consistency and avoid letting leads evaporate.

Looking ahead, the Roadrunners are set to take on the Wichita State Shockers this Saturday, January 11, 2025. With a chance to regroup and capitalize on their strengths, the team will aim to bounce back at home, where they hold an impressive record of 4-1 under Coach Claunch this season.

As the excitement fuels the fan base, all eyes will be on the Roadrunners as they gear up for the next game. This season has been a roller coaster ride, and the Roadrunners will need the full support of their fans to turn their season around. Let’s hope they can find their groove and come back even stronger!