CEDAR PARK, TX – The Austin Spurs overcame a slow start and a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat the Memphis Hustle 102-97 on Sunday afternoon at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. A second-half surge led by guard Trey McGowens proved crucial in securing the victory, showcasing the team’s resilience despite a challenging schedule and a tough opponent.
The Spurs entered the game with limited rest, having just returned from a trip to San Diego and facing a 3:00 p.m. Central time tip-off. Despite the circumstances, and acknowledging the Hustle as a formidable opponent, Austin found themselves trailing at the break. Although, the team adjusted in the second half, fueled by a renewed offensive spark and defensive intensity.
McGowens, who came off the bench to start the game, was instrumental in the turnaround. While his first half was quiet – registering just two rebounds and a missed shot in 9:36 minutes – he exploded for 15 points after halftime, igniting the Austin offense. “They’re a tough contest,” Austin head coach Jacob Chance said. “We found a way there in the third just to get a little bit of momentum. And as always with us, it usually comes in (the) defensive conclude. Trey McGowens set a fuse for us and found some offense on the back of that.”
The guard credited his mental fortitude for the shift in performance. “I was really talking to myself on the sideline, ‘stay with it, stay with it,’” McGowens explained. “Talking to myself, so just trying to stay with it. It’s a long game.” He finished the game with 15 points, two assists, three steals, and two blocks, demonstrating an all-around impact that extended beyond scoring.
While McGowens provided a significant boost, the game-winning play came from guard Kyle Mangas. With just over a minute remaining and the score close, the Spurs executed a designed play that led to a crucial three-pointer from Mangas, giving Austin a one-possession lead. The play involved a pass from Austin forward Harrison Ingram to Mangas, who capitalized on the opportunity from 23 feet.
“That’s a play that we’ve had up our back pocket for a long time,” Chance said. “Credit to Mangas and Ingram, they were able to execute it, and the way Memphis guarded us, they were able to punish them.”
McGowens’ Defensive Impact
Beyond his scoring, McGowens’ defensive contributions were pivotal in the second half. His ability to disrupt the Memphis offense and force tough shots played a key role in the Spurs’ comeback. Chance praised McGowens’ competitive spirit, stating, “Sometimes he goes too far, and he puts himself in tricky positions,” but added, “I’d capture those guys every day of the week, that’s the guys we want to coach.”
Looking Ahead for the Austin Spurs
The Austin Spurs will continue their season on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with a matchup against the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. At the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Box score details from Sunday’s game display the Spurs improving to 14-8 on the season, while Memphis fell to 4-18. The Daily Texan reported on the game’s key moments and player performances. Proballers.com also highlighted the contributions of McGowens and Mangas in the victory.
The Spurs will look to carry the momentum from this hard-fought win as they face the Thunder’s G League team. The game will provide another opportunity to assess the team’s progress and build towards a strong finish in the NBA G League regular season.
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