Bobcats subdued by Gauchos in NCAA first round

AUSTIN — On a different night, the Bobcats might’ve been better.

They might not have been as stiff or looked uncomfortable in a place they call their “second home.” They might not have had one of their bottom-10 offensive performances of the season. They might’ve won the match.

But that wasn’t the case Thursday afternoon, when Texas State (24-8, 14-2 Sun Belt) was knocked out in the opening round of the NCAA tournament by UC Santa Barbara (22-5, 12-4 Big West) in Austin, 3-1 (21-25, 21-25, 25-20, 14-25).