ABILENE, Texas – The Texans fall to ACU in Abilene 69-63, as late foul trouble proved too much for Tarleton to close the gap entirely.
 
"Tough loss for the Texans," said head coach Billy Gillispie. "I thought we played with tremendous fight and heart. We must improve dramatically, as far as offensive execution goes, as we continue to just give away possessions without purpose."
 
Tarleton (7-7, 1-1 WAC) came out of the locker room with something to prove as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead while holding ACU (9-6, 1-1 WAC) scoreless over the first four minutes of play. The Wildcats responded with an 11-2 run to earn a three-point lead over the Texans. Both teams traded baskets and the lead multiple times before ACU went on a 12-4 run. Back-to-back layups from the Texans' Coreyoun Rushin pushed the teams to within one point as time expired for the first half with the Wildcats in the lead.
 
To start the second half, ACU scored a quick six points before Javontae Hopkins was able to break the Texans' three-minute dry spell. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, Tiger Booker scored sequential layups to keep Tarleton within one point. ACU grew their lead to as much as eight points with just under seven minutes left in the game. The Texans' foul trouble would start to haunt them at this point in the game. Shamir Bogues, Lue Williams and Shakur Daniel, three of the Texans' five starters, fouled out in the final four minutes of the game. Tarleton responded again, shrinking the lead to a single-possession game, courtesy of a corner three-pointer from Tydan Archibald. More foul trouble by the Texans sent the Wildcats to the line, resulting in a 69-63 loss for the Texans.
 
"We always seem to be shorthanded, but whomever we have available, they spill their hearts for Tarleton," added Gillispie.
 
Tiger Booker, the Fireside District Player of the Game, led scoring for the Texans with 19 points and two each of rebounds, assists and steals. Coreyoun Rushin picked up 13 points while Lue Williams earned 10 points on the night. Shamir Bogues finished with eight points, four rebounds and two steals. Shakur Daniel grabbed a team-high six rebounds and earned four points. Javontae Hopkins had five points and four rebounds. Rod Brown grabbed five boards and one point while Tydan Archibald made and shot one three-pointer to bring the Texans within one possession late.
 
"On Thursday, we play arguably the best offensive team in our league in a giant assignment," said Gillispie. "We can promise extreme effort as we continue through the competitive WAC schedule. Our guys are making really big plays when it matters the most and are improving quickly. We hope to see everyone at Wisdom on Thursday."
 
The Texans will return to Wisdom Gym for their first game of the New Year on Thursday, Jan. 5, against Southern Utah (10-5, 2-0 WAC). The theme for the game will be Throwback Thursday and all fans are encouraged to wear attire from previous decades. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Wisdom Gym.