Texan bench crucial in win over Weber State

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STEPHENVILLE – The Texans secured a home victory over a tough opponent in Weber State on Tuesday. The Tarleton bench picked up 46 points in route to a 75-65 win at Wisdom Gym against the Wildcats.

The matchup started with a 15-8 run by Weber State (2-5, 0-0 Big Sky), scoring four 3-pointers over the first eight minutes of play. Tarleton (4-3, 0-0 WAC) quickly responded with a 15-0 run to push ahead of the Wildcats by eight points. Both teams traded points back and forth for the rest of first half with Tarleton leading by seven heading into the locker room. The Texans spent the five minutes of the second half growing their lead to 12. The Wildcats turned the tides and went on an 8-0 run to tie things up with 10 minutes left in the game. Tarleton then generated another run of their own, going 12-1 to regain an 11-point lead. From this point forward, Weber State would not get closer than seven points to tying the score up.

“I’m really proud of the guys that bailed us out tonight,” said head coach Billy Gillispie. “It’s great to have depth and I believe we have it this year. This team is a work in progress, off to a great start and getting better every day.”

The Tarleton bench, led by junior transfer Lue Williams, were key in the Texans victory over Weber State. Williams scored 16 points (5-9 FG, 3-5 3PT) for the second time this season and grabbed four rebounds all on the defensive side of the court. Freddy Hicks earned back-to-back 14-point (5-11 FG, 4-8 FT) and eight rebound performances with three assists as well. Javontae Hopkins scored a season-high 11 points (3-3 FG, 5-10 FT) and picked up two rebounds, assists and steals. Coreyoun Rushin doubled his minutes on the season tonight with a 10-point, five rebound and three assist showing. Jakorie Smith and Garry Clark both picked up seven points and two rebounds each. Grad student Shakur Daniel earned five points (2-5 FG), rebounds and three assists. Shamir Bogues scored three points and Tiger Booker picked up 2 points.

“The best thing is that the guys that normally carry the load and weren’t at their best were the happiest guys on our team,” commented Gillispie. “They just love winning. It makes you extremely proud to see them care about each other like they do. Champions in every word. Great win for the Texans!”

The Texans will stay home for their next game against Wiley College. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, Dec 3. 

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