Ada, Okla. – Despite losing a 14 point first half lead and having four players foul out, the 24th ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas won their record seventh straight game to open the season, 76-73 in overtime over East Central.

   The win improved the Javelinas record to 7-0 while East Central fell to 1-3.

   Remi Yusuf led the Javelinas with 21 points, Rickey Huckaby had 19 and Reggie Love came off the bench to score a career-high 17.

   The Javelinas led 28-14 with 6:34 left in the first half and 30-23 at halftime.  The Javelinas led 33-25 early in the second half, but the Tigers rallied to cut the lead to one, 36-35.  The Tigers overtook the Javelinas with 10:08 to play at 44-41. 
 
   The Javelinas trailed 58-53 with 2:55 left in the game, but Huckaby hit a 3-point basket with 38 seconds left to give the Javelinas a two points lead.  With 26 seconds left, Huckaby fouled out of the game and the Tigers hit two free throws to tie the game and send it into overtime.

   Starting center Stephen Story, his backup Juan Lanauze and Huckaby had already fouled out in regulation, then Yusuf fouled out 16 seconds into overtime as the Tigers hit both free throws to take a 67-65 lead.  The Javelinas then scored six straight, four on free throws by Love and a layup by freshman Dominick Jones to grab a 70-67 lead.

   But the Tigers scored the next four points to grab the lead back, 72-71 with 2:06 left in overtime.  The Javelinas then outscored the Tigers 5-0 over the next two minutes on a putback by senior reserve forward Ralph Davis and jumper by senior Kia Griffin and two free throws by Love.

   The Javelina bench out-scored the Tiger bench 23-6.

   “Our bench really came through tonight, especially with only 10 players,” said Javelina head coach Pete Peterson.  “We really showed our toughness, we got some big steals in overtime and made our free throws.  I’m really proud of our effort.  These guys (East Central) will contest for the title in the north this year.  This kind of win really brings you together.”

   Texas A&M-Kingsville will take on unbeaten Southeastern Oklahoma (6-0) Friday night in Durant.