Texas State is now 1-2 in Sun Belt play. Here are some takeaways from the Bobcats’ loss to the Trojans.

Hall joined Texas State as the highest-rated recruit in program history. The freshman surpassed his own lofty expectations Wednesday, recording 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting against one of the best teams in the Sun Belt. He also led the team with nine rebounds and tacked on four assists, falling one board shy of his fifth double-double.

Although Hall does most of his work in the paint, he flashed some perimeter potential against Troy by hitting two of three 3-pointers. The forward was 0-3 on the season before those buckets, and his ceiling could climb dangerously high if he becomes a consistent threat from beyond the arc.

He’s already become indispensable to the Bobcats’ offense. During the minutes Hall rested in the second half, Troy’s lead extended from 58-50 to 80-66 by the time Hall reentered the game.

Texas State center Tay Knox fouled out with six minutes and 12 seconds remaining in the game. Makai Willis followed suit at the four-minute mark, leaving head coach Terrence Johnson without his top two choices at the position. 

More concerning, however, is that Knox and Willis were not productive in the 30 minutes they played. The two combined for eight points, two blocks and four rebounds on 2-of-6 shooting. Troy’s big men were largely unbothered, winning the overall rebounding battle 33-30. Freshman Robert Fields went two-for-two from the field for four points, but still seems to be adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball.

Johnson does not have any more options at the position. Texas State’s style involves hard play in the paint — without contribution from its centers, things will be much more difficult for the rest of the team.

Troy shot 62.5% on 3-pointers Wednesday, while Arkansas State shot 55% in Texas State’s conference opener. Shooting variance might have played a role overall, but the Bobcats seem to have an issue defending attempts from beyond the arc.

Texas State isn’t going to win many games if its opponents shoot over 50% from three. The problem might be tied to the center position, as teammates get drawn into the paint to help, leaving shooters open at the corners and wings. 

It must be noted that the Red Wolves and Trojans’ season averages from three are 31.1% and 34.6%. This could be a stroke of bad luck. But it’s also worrisome that average 3-point shooting teams seem to have no trouble making shots against the Bobcats.