SAN MARCOS, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by a decisive second-half surge, Texas State overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Southern Mississippi 74-67 in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Strahan Coliseum.

The Bobcats, who trailed by one point at the break, outscored the Golden Eagles 47-39 after halftime to secure the victory in front of 1,563 fans. The win improved both teams to an identical 11-9 overall record.

The most critical phase of the contest was a dominant Texas State run early in the second half that permanently shifted momentum. After Southern Mississippi’s Tylik Weeks opened the half with a jumper to extend the Golden Eagles’ lead to three points, Texas State erupted with a 14-2 surge over the next three and a half minutes. The run was fueled by efficient offense and stifling defense, turning a 30-27 deficit into a 41-32 lead. Kaden Gumbs, a hometown guard from San Marcos, ignited the run with a 3-pointer and capped it with another, while also assisting on a Kyndall Davis triple during the stretch. The Bobcats never trailed again.

Southern Mississippi, which had defeated Texas State in overtime just nine days prior, struggled to find consistent offense against the reinvigorated Bobcat defense. The Golden Eagles shot just 3 of 15 from 3-point range for the game and were hampered by 13 turnovers, which Texas State converted into 10 points.

Texas State’s victory was anchored at the free-throw line, where they attempted 35 free throws, making 28. Southern Mississippi was more efficient but less frequent, going 20 of 24 from the stripe. The Bobcats also capitalized in transition, outscoring the Golden Eagles 16-8 on fastbreak points.

Tylik Weeks led all scorers with 24 points for Southern Mississippi, adding a block and a steal in 35 minutes. Dylan Brumfield supported him with 16 points. For Texas State, Kaden Gumbs orchestrated the win with 18 points and three assists, while DJ Hall provided 17 points, two assists and two blocks. Franck Emmou added 13 points off the bench.

Southern Mississippi’s defensive pressure was evident, as they recorded 14 steals and forced 18 Texas State turnovers. Djahi Binet was a force inside for the Golden Eagles, blocking four shots. However, Texas State’s superior shooting efficiency—47.6% from the field and 46.2% from deep compared to Southern Mississippi’s 42.3% and 20%—proved decisive.

The first half was a tightly contested, sloppy affair featuring 21 combined turnovers. Southern Mississippi built its narrow lead primarily at the free-throw line, attempting 16 first-half free throws. The Golden Eagles led by as many as six points late in the period before Texas State closed the gap to 28-27 at halftime.

Following the intermission, Texas State’s game-changing run established control. Southern Mississippi closed to within four points on multiple occasions down the stretch, but each time the Bobcats answered, often from the free-throw line, to keep the Golden Eagles at bay.

According to pregame analytics, Texas State was projected with a 67% probability to win and entered as a 2.5-point favorite. The total score of 141 points fell just under the over/under line of 142.5.

Southern Mississippi next travels to face Georgia State on Thursday. Texas State will hit the road for a conference matchup at Coastal Carolina, also on Thursday.