Hogs Get Pay Back

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – One week after losing at home to St. Mary’s University, the Texas A&M-Kingsville men’s basketball team went on the road to defeat the Rattlers, 51-42 at Bill Greehey Arena. (box score)
Javelina (2-2) senior point guard Wendell Mulkey (San Antonio/East Central HS) took over the game in the final five minutes scoring nine of his season high 10 points during the stretch run. Mulkey, a career 43.0 percent free throw shooter entering the season, knocked down 5-of-7 free throw attempts in the final 4:44 to squelch any Rattler thoughts of a last second comeback.
After losing 56-51 last Wednesday at home to St. Mary’s, the Javelinas were ready to play from the outset. They opened the game on a 13-0 run and did not allow the Rattlers to score until the 13:29 mark of the first half. The Hogs bumped their lead up to 14 with 9:33 to play in the first half before St. Mary’s reeled off a 15-2 run and closed to within 20-19 with 4:24 remaining in the half. The two teams went into the break with the Javs holding a 25-24 lead.
In the second half, the Javelinas never let the Rattlers take the lead. Every time St. Mary’s would make it a one possession game, the Javs would answer with a score.
The Javs played excellent defense, beating the Rattlers at their own game. St. Mary’s went 16-of-46 from the floor, 34.8 percent and were 3-of-15 from three-point range. The 42 points allowed by the Javelinas was the fewest the team allowed in a game since a 59-41 victory over Abilene Christian during the 2001-02 season.
The Javelinas had three players score in double figures with junior Robert Williams (Dallas/Kimball HS) leading the way with 14 points and eight rebounds. Senior Clyde Johnson (San Antonio/Converse Judson HS) added 10 points while making all three of his field goals and both of his free throws. Mulkey was the final player in double figures with 10 points, three assists and two steals. A&M-Kingsville shot 43.9 percent from the field, went 3-for-7 from three-point range and 12-of-21 from the foul line. They committed just 15 turnovers while forcing 18.
The Rattlers were led by Nick Morey’s 12 points and six rebounds. Marlon Smith led the team with seven rebounds. St. Mary’s out rebounded Kingsville by a 34-32 margin, but struggled at the foul line making 7-of-16 attempts.
The Javelinas and Rattlers have now played 94 times all-time and the series is tied 47-47.
The Hoggies return home on Saturday night against University of Incarnate Word at 7 o’clock. The game will follow the A&M-Kingsville women’s basketball Turkey Day Shootout that will feature games at 2 and 4 o’clock. The game can be watched and listened to online at www.teamline.cc/teampage?teamcode=7836.
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