SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Nijal Pearson and Kavin Gilder-Tilbury combined for 44 points to lead Texas State to an 80-68 win over McNeese State on Tuesday night.

Pearson was 8 of 15 from the floor for 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the first double-double in his career. He also dished out seven assists. Gilder-Tilbury had 21 points and seven rebounds. Bobby Conley added six points and had a career-best three steals for Texas State (3-3).

Tyler Blount nailed a 3-pointer midway in the first half to break open a tight game and start a 16-2 run as the Bobcats took a 43-24 lead into the break. The Cowboys did make a late charge, closing to 73-62 following a Jamaya Burr trey with 2:01 remaining. Pearson answered with three points in the closing minutes to secure the win.

LaBarrius Hill had 15 points and nine rebounds and Jarren Greenwood added 13 points for McNeese State (2-4).