Black Friday plan: Take a walk, watch a few basketball games

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By Jerry Briggs
For theJBreplay.com

I do my best to avoid the Black Friday shopping scene.

It’s just not appealing to think about walking elbow-to-elbow with hundreds of others in a mall concourse on the day after Thanksgiving.

Even though I know I will need to make a few purchases at some point before the Holidays, I will take a pass today in pursuit of a few more leisurely pursuits.

Specifically, I’m on my way to the Leon Creek Greenway.

Instead of battling the crowds, I’ll try to find some peace out there on the concrete path that runs through Northwest Bexar County.

Later, I’ll head over to the UTSA Convocation Center to watch some basketball.

Both the UTSA women and men are playing later today.

Follow along for updates.

Final: NIU 69, UTSA women 55

Northern Illinois scored 17 of the first 19 points and then held on to win, 69-55, beating the home team on the first day of the two-day UTSA Thanksgiving Classic.

Forward Kelly Smith produced 15 points to lead five players in double figures for Northern Illinois (4-1).

Sophomore forward Tija Hawkins led UTSA (1-4) with 13 points.

The Roadrunners have lost four straight.

Maybe they can get a few problems ironed out before they take on North Dakota on Saturday at 2 p.m.

UTSA men 72, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 58

Don’t tell anyone, but I’m running late for the men’s game between Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and UTSA.

No excuses. Just had to get some dinner and some coffee in between the afternoon contest and the nightcap.

As I get settled into my seat at press row, I see UTSA has the game well in hand, leading 33-23 with 3:30 remaining.

Freshman Jhivvan Jackson, UTSA’s leading scorer, is dressed out. He’s on the bench. But he hasn’t played yet.

UTSA now leads 41-27 at interimssion.

The Roadrunners defeat the Islanders 72-58.

UTSA improves to 4-2 on the season.