Billingsley misses practice Tuesday, listed as questionable for USM

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Key UTSA reserve guard Nick Billingsley missed practice Tuesday with an academic concern that could keep him out of the Roadrunners' Conference USA road opener at Southern Mississippi.

UTSA coach Steve Henson listed the senior guard as questionable to appear against the Golden Eagles Thursday night as he attempts to raise his grades.

"Nick is dealing with some academic stuff and he's got to figure that out," Henson said. "He would be available for Thursday. We're trying to see what he can do, but he's in jeopardy right now."

Billingsley has emerged as the Roadrunners' top offensive weapon off the bench. The senior from Omaha, Neb., ranks second on the team in scoring with an average of 11.1 points per game and leads the team in points per minute with an average of 29.4 points per 40 minutes.

He has been particularly effective in recent games, averaging 14.2 points per game over his last five including a team-high 17 points in UTSA's 67-55 victory over UTEP Sunday afternoon. During that stretch, the 6-8 Roadrunners have won four times after starting the season 2-7.

Nick Billingsley, who scored 17 points, shoots over UTEP’s Jake Flaggert (left) and Trey Touchet in the first half Sunday. Nick Billingsley, who scored 17 points, shoots over UTEP’s Jake Flaggert (left) and Trey Touchet in the first half Sunday. Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Billingsley misses practice Tuesday, listed as questionable for USM 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

"He's struggling right now and it hurts a lot," senior guard Gino Littles said.

Billingsley's skills from the perimeter have been particularly timely as he's shooting 39.0 percent with 16 3-pointers during that stretch.

"He's been good for us," Henson said. "With our shooting woes, he gives us a threat. The other night, he gave us a boost driving the ball to the basket. No question he makes us a better team, but we're just going to have to see out it plays out."

Despite the time off, Henson said Billingsley shouldn't have any trouble regaining his touch when he returns to the lineup.

"I don't think it will bother him," Henson said. "It's part of his makeup. He doesn't care whether he made or missed the last shot. They say great shooters have a short memory and I don't think it would affect him at all."

Billingsley's departure could be offset as senior guard J.R. Harris is closer to returning to the lineup.

"He didn't take any reps off and he's kind of been building up each day," Henson said. "He's mentally planning on getting in there real soon. Maybe Thursday. I'd like to see him have back-to-back good practices and today was the most extensive (practice) where he's gone."

Harris played in the Roadrunners' first two games before he was injured early in the loss at Oregon State. The senior guard averaged 7.0 points in those two games after averaging 11.9 points per game last season. He was the Roadrunners' leading returning scorer coming into the season.

The Roadrunners extended UTEP's losing streak to 10 games with the victory on Sunday. They could have another chance to extend another team's misery as Southern Mississippi has lost nine straight games. Coach Doc Sadler's 3-10 team started C-USA play Sunday with a 79-55 home loss to Louisiana Tech.

Tgriffin@express-news.net

Twitter: @TimGriffinBig12