Texas State Off to a Historic Start

Junior Deris Duncan looks for a shot.

The Texas State Bobcats haven't made the NCAA Tournament since back in 1997. Even then, they weren't tournament regulars, having only made it one other time previously in 1994. Both these appearances were losses by pretty large margins. Unfortunately, the Bobcats have failed to return since then and have struggled immensely since joining the Sun Belt conference. 

This all may be beginning to change though, as the Bobcats are off to their best start in Sun Belt play in their history. They currently sit at a 3-2 mark, good for 6th in the conference at the moment. If they had a record stronger than 10-7 overall, they could potentially be as high as 3rd because the teams 3-6 are all tied with 3-2 records, but the Bobcats have the worst record of the four teams. 

Last time out, the Bobcats snagged an impressive away win over Troy. The Bobcats shot very well in this game with 47% overall and 44% from deep. Fortunately, poor free throw shooting (67%) didn't hurt them too much as they pulled out with a 75-71 victory. A large factor in this win was probably the fact that 17 out of their 25 baskets were assisted displaying the team's willingness to share the ball. This win brought the Bobcats to their aforementioned 3-2 record and dropped Troy to 2-3 and all the way down to 9th.

Up next is the Rajin' Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette when they visit this upcoming Saturday. The Rajin' Cajuns have an inferior conference record (2-3), but their 12-6 overall record shouldn't be taken lightly. A source for hope for Bobcats fans though, is that the Rajin' Cajuns defense was rendered useless in their last game against Georgia State in which the Panthers scored 101 points on them. While I'm not sure the Bobcat's offense is quite this prolific, they should like their chances in this home encounter.

It appears that they will have a very solid chance to improve upon their already unprecedented start to conference play. Hopefully they will be able to translate this hot start into being more of a factor in this conference year in and year out.