STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Dior Johnson scored 32 points to lead Tarleton State to its first victory of the season, an 85-77 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at Wisdom Gym.

In a game defined by offensive efficiency and a parade to the free-throw line, the Texans (1-2) used a dominant first half to build a cushion that withstood a strong second-half push from the Islanders (1-2). A crowd of 1,661 watched as both teams evened their early-season records.

Tarleton State seized control in the opening period, shooting a blistering 51 percent from the floor and building a 19-point halftime lead at 47-28. The Texans’ offense was exceptionally efficient, posting an offensive rating of 122.2 by scoring 85 points on just 70 possessions. They were relentless in getting to the charity stripe, making 29 of 37 free throws, which proved to be a critical difference.

Johnson, a 6-foot-3 guard from Kingston, New York, was the engine for the Texans. In 33 minutes, his game-high 32 points came on efficient shooting, supplemented by six rebounds and two assists. He was instrumental in closing out the game, hitting key free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

He was supported by Kade Douglas, a 6-foot guard from Lancaster, Texas, who added 18 points, and Freddy Hicks, who chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds. The Texans’ defense was anchored by Andy Sigiscar, a 6-foot-9 forward from Orleans, France, who swatted away four shots.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi mounted a significant comeback after the break, nearly doubling its first-half output by scoring 49 points. The Islanders shot the ball effectively in the second half, finishing the game 9 of 21 from 3-point range. However, they were hampered by poor free-throw shooting, converting only 18 of 29 attempts, and an offensive rating of 105.8 that paled in comparison to the Texans’ mark.

Sheldon Williams led the Islanders with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 36 minutes. The 6-foot-8 forward from Atmore, Alabama, also recorded a block. Kam Parker, a 6-foot-2 guard from Tulsa, Oklahoma, added nine points and three rebounds.

Despite the Islanders’ improved second-half play, the Texans’ lead, which ballooned to as many as 22 points, proved insurmountable. Tarleton State capitalized on transition opportunities, outscoring Corpus Christi 19-12 in fastbreak points, and consistently answered every Islanders’ run with timely baskets, often from Johnson or Douglas.

The game’s total of 162 points sailed well over the sportsbook over/under line of 142. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Tarleton State as a significant favorite with a 72.3 percent probability to win.

Both teams entered the contest seeking to rebound from losses in their previous outings. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi fell at SMU on Thursday, while Tarleton State was coming off a road loss at LSU on Wednesday.

The Islanders look to get back on track Tuesday with a daunting road test at Kansas. Tarleton State returns to action at home on Tuesday against Merrimack.