Antwone Gonzales, Jaguar Men's Basketball Make a Statement Despite Loss

San Antonio, TX- A career night from Antwone Gonzales wasn't enough to overcome a red-hot shooting performance from LSU Shreveport, as Texas A&M University–San Antonio fell 94-84 on Thursday evening.

Gonzales delivered one of his best performances of the season, pouring in 36 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including 4-of-12 from beyond the arc and an 8-of-9 effort at the free-throw line. He scored 15 points in the first half to help the Jaguars build a 50-45 halftime advantage and continued attacking throughout the second half to keep A&M-San Antonio within striking distance.

The Jaguars (8-19, 7-14) shot 51.3 percent in the opening half and knocked down 9-of-15 three-pointers (60 percent) before the break. Joseph Taylor added 11 points in the first half, finishing with 11 overall on 4-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-5 from deep. Dezmon Dudley contributed 13 points and five assists, while Felix Greif chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

Despite the strong start, LSU Shreveport (22-5, 19-2) flipped the script after halftime. The Pilots shot a blistering 60.3 percent from the field for the game and dominated the paint with a 66-40 scoring edge inside. Khi Wallace led the way with 29 points and 14 rebounds, going 13-of-15 from the floor. Emareyon McDonald added 15 points, while Hayden Brittingham posted 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Jaguars struggled offensively in the second half, shooting just 33.3 percent after the break and hitting only 1-of-12 from three-point range. LSU Shreveport used a 23-7 surge midway through the half to turn a two-point deficit into a double-digit lead, stretching the advantage to as many as 16.

A&M-San Antonio did capitalize on second-chance opportunities, holding a 21-14 edge in second-chance points and scoring 20 points off 15 LSU Shreveport turnovers. However, the Pilots' efficiency and 54 bench points proved to be the difference.

Gonzales continued to battle down the stretch, scoring 21 second-half points and cutting the deficit to eight in the final minute, but LSU Shreveport sealed the game at the free-throw line and with strong interior play.

The Jaguars will look to bounce back as they continue conference play.