Stephenville, Texas

After trailing for as much as 21, Texas A&M-Commerce went on a valiant 24-7 run in the second half to get within one; however, host No. 13 Tarleton State closed out the contest with a 30-18 run for a 104-91 victory on Thursday night at the Wisdom Gym.

The Lions found themselves trailing 61-40 with 16:52 left in the contest. The Lions clawed back on the game with a 14-4 run, scoring on six-straight possessions to get within 11, 65-54. Texas A&M-Commerce continued to fight against the nationally-ranked Texans with a 14-2 spurt, reducing the Tarleton State lead to 72-71 with 7:32 left in the contest on a Lamar Searight three pointer. The Texans came back with a decisive 15-2 run en route to the win.

Both teams landed five players in double figures. Archie Beason scored a team-high 23 to pace Texas A&M-Commerce; plus Kevin Widemond added 19, Lamar Searight chipped in 16, Lance Jackson scored 12 off the bench and Brad Brickens scored 10. Off the bench, Tim Williams scored a team-best 23 for Tarleton State. Rich Francis added 22, Jeremy Gilbert chipped in 19, Terrence Gamble and John Davis pumped in 15 and 14 points, respectively. Davis and Gamble turned in double-double efforts with a game-high 11 rebounds apiece.

The Texans blistered the nets for 61.9% shooting from the field, including an eye-popping 66.7% in the second half. In the first half, Gilbert enjoyed a perfect opening 20 minutes, making all six field goals, including four from beyond the arc en route to 16 points. The Lions were led by Beason and Widemond scored 10 apiece in the first half.

Next on the schedule for Texas A&M-Commerce is a matchup at Midwestern State on Saturday at 8 pm in Wichita Falls, Texas.