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A lot was different for the Toros on Saturday night at the Austin Convention Center. There were new players to fit into the lineup and a national television crew, something not often found at the D-League level.

In their only nationally-televised game this season, the Toros struggled to acclimate three new players in their rotation, while losing an all-around player in Justin Bowen, and eventually fell to the Bakersfield Jam 107-96.

“It’s (new players) a factor, but I don’t feel like it should be an overlapping thing because it’s basketball,” Toros head coach Quin Snyder said after the game. “But they’re going to miss some play calls, we’re going to be out of sync.”

The Toros struggled to score early but were able to get stops and keep them in the game. Several of Austin’s 22 first quarter points came in transition, as Curtis Jerrells played the passing lanes well and had two early steals that led to baskets.

In the second half though, Austin shot even worse and was unable to keep Bakersfield (9-25) from pulling away. The Toros finished the game shooting 38% (33-88) from the field, while the Jam were able to convert 53% (40-74) of their shots.

“They packed it in, because we’ve got some guys who can penetrate,” Snyder said. “I don’t know how many open shots we had, but we didn’t make too many.”

Dwayne Jones, fresh off his workout with the Dallas Mavericks, led the Toros with 23 points and 19 rebounds. Alonzo Gee had 21 points and five rebounds, while Jerrells had 17 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals.

For the Jam, Jeremy Wise had 27 points, including a three-pointer with 1:52 left in the game to put Bakersfield up 102-94 and break the backs of Austin. Brian Butch added 24 points and 13 rebounds.

The loss puts the Toros at 21-12 on the season and keeps them in second place in the Western Conference. The Toros tip-off Sunday afternoon against the Springfield Armor at the Austin Convention Center.