SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) — Konner Tucker scored 17 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in the closing minutes, as Sam Houston State clinched the final spot in the Southland Conference tournament with a 63-61 victory over Texas State.
The Bearkats (13-18, 7-9 Southland) earned the No. 7 seed in the tournament and will face No. 2 seed Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday.
Tucker’s 3-pointer broke a 59-all tie with 2:01 remaining. A pair of free throws by Vonn Jones brought Texas State (13-17, 5-11) within 62-61 with 55 seconds left. The teams then traded turnovers before Demarcus Gatlin hit 1 of 2 free throws with 5 seconds left for Sam Houston State, and Jones missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Matt Staff had 18 points and nine rebounds for Texas State, which could have earned the No. 8 seed in the conference with a victory Saturday. Only the top eight teams in the 12-team league advance to the postseason tournament.
