South Alabama cut a big Texas State lead to one in the final minute, but could not finish the comeback in a 72-69 loss Thursday night.
The defeat was the first in Sun Belt Conference play for the Jaguars (8-7, 2-1), who trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half. Texas State (9-7, 2-1) led just 67-65 with 2:17 to play before Nijal Pearson made three free throws to put the Bobcats up five.
Nick Davis dunked for two on South Alabama's next possession, and Rodrick Sikes hit two free throws to make a one-point game again at 70-69 with 52.