SAN MARCOS, Texas – Teams play exhibition games to work out the kinks before the regular season begins and it was obvious in the early going on Thursday night as both St. Mary's and Texas State committed a lot of turnovers and missed some early baskets.
The Rattlers' defense was solid however, taking four charges in the game and collecting nine steals. They also held the Bobcats without a basket for over five minutes in the first half and over three minutes in the second half.
The Bobcats pulled away late in the game, winning 52-43 after StMU had cut the deficit to six with just under three minutes remaining.
The two squads combined for 27 turnovers and 17 steals in the first half alone and both teams shot under 40 percent from the floor. For the game, there were 44 total turnovers.
Junior transfer
C.J. Washington (Houston) led the Rattlers with 10 points – which he scored consecutively in the second half. Sophomore
Tyler Caron (Longview, Texas) led the team with seven rebounds, five blocked shots and four assists. Newcomer
Ryan Leonard (Kerry, Ireland) was second on the team with eight points, making all three of his shots, while senior transfer
Josh Brewer (Indianapolis, Ind.) scored seven.
All 11 Rattlers who played in the game grabbed at least one rebound and nine of the 11 scored at least two points. StMU combined to sink nine three-pointers on the evening, but were just 2-of-6 from the free throw line.
The Rattlers turn their attention to the regular season and the South Central Regional Crossover where they will face Colorado Mines and Regis at Lubbock Christian on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
