SAN MARCOS, Texas (Interstat) — A decisive second-half surge propelled Texas State to a 77-61 victory over Western Michigan in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Strahan Coliseum.

The Bobcats, improving to 15-11 overall, used a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defensive presence to pull away from the Broncos after leading by 11 at halftime. Western Michigan fell to 7-14 with the loss.

The most critical phase of the game occurred early in the second half, when Texas State extinguished any hope of a Western Michigan rally. Leading 36-25 at the break, the Bobcats opened the final period with a 6-2 run, capped by a Tay Knox dunk off a DJ Hall assist, pushing their lead to 15 points. Western Michigan’s Trey Lewis answered with a 3-pointer, but the Broncos could not string together consecutive stops or scores to mount a serious challenge.

Texas State’s defense, which recorded nine blocks and seven steals, consistently disrupted Western Michigan’s rhythm. The Broncos shot just 40.7% from the field and committed 10 turnovers, which the Bobcats converted into 18 points. Offensively, Texas State was efficient, shooting 53.6% from the floor and 90% from the free-throw line.

Guard Mark Drone led all scorers with 20 points for Texas State, adding three assists. Forward DJ Hall provided a versatile performance with 16 points, five rebounds and a block. Kaden Gumbs contributed 15 points, including two key 3-pointers in the second half that helped maintain separation.

For Western Michigan, Trey Lewis came off the bench to score a team-high 19 points, fueled by five 3-pointers. Jayden Brewer posted 13 points and seven rebounds, while Carson Vis added 10 points. The Broncos struggled to find consistent offense outside of Lewis, with their starting backcourt combining for just 12 points.

The first half set the tone for Texas State’s control. After a slow start from both teams, the Bobcats used a 9-0 run midway through the period to establish a double-digit lead. Hall and Drone were instrumental, combining for 15 first-half points. Western Michigan stayed within reach thanks to Lewis, who scored eight before halftime, but the Broncos’ 36.7% shooting in the opening frame left them playing from behind.

Texas State’s interior dominance was a constant theme. The Bobcats outscored Western Michigan 32-26 in the paint and their nine blocks, led by two each from Knox, Makai Willis and Robert Fields, altered numerous Bronco attempts. The rebounding battle was nearly even, but Texas State’s ability to protect the rim proved more significant.

Western Michigan’s offensive rating of 95.5 on 64 possessions underscored its struggles, while Texas State’s rating of 120.8 highlighted its effective execution. The Broncos never led after the game’s opening minutes.

The announced attendance was 2,774. Texas State, which entered as a 5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, covered the spread. The total points scored, 138, fell under the pregame over/under line of 146.

Western Michigan returns to Mid-American Conference play Wednesday at home against Toledo. Texas State resumes Sun Belt Conference action Wednesday when it hosts Troy.