KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – The Texas A&M-Kingsville men’s basketball team fought off foul trouble and injuries, but in the end they just did not have quite enough to overcome #8 University of Central Oklahoma on Saturday losing 78-68 at the Steinke Center. (box score)

The Javelinas (7-5) played an excellent first half and led by as many as 11 points before settling for a 35-26 halftime lead over the Bronchos (11-2).  Unfortunately, there was trouble looming as the team’s top two post players, Robert Williams (Dallas/Kimball HS) and Chip Jones (Fort Worth/U of Houston), were already in foul trouble and starting guard Adan Montalvo missed the game due to an injury.

In the second half, the Bronchos wore down the Javelinas on the inside with Michael Sosanya doing most of the damage with 18 points off the bench.  The Bronchos quickly evened the score and then the two teams traded hoops until Eric Cazenave gave UCO a lead they would not relinquish with 7:28 to play.

Over the final 7:28, Cazenave took over the game for the Bronchos as he scored 15 of his game high 22 points.  He went 8-for-8 from the foul line, grabbed six rebounds and connected on 2-of-3 three-point attempts.

The Javs were led by Clyde Johnson’s (San Antonio/Judson HS) 17 points and eight rebounds.  Royce Gaye (Houston/Klein HS) added 15 points off the bench.  Wendell Mulkey (San Antonio/East Central HS) did a yeoman’s job with eight points, seven assists and six steals while playing all 40 minutes of the game.  Jones led the team with four blocks.  The team shot 40.7 percent from the field, made 7-of-21 three-point attempts and struggled at the foul line going 13-of-26.  The team committed 15 turnovers while forcing the Bronchos into 18.

In addition to Cazenave and Sosanya, the Bronchos received a double-double from Lance Harper who had 14 points and 14 rebounds.  David Thomas added 12 points and four assists.  UCO shot 45.3 percent from the field while making 6-of-12 three-point attempts and 24-of-30 free throw attempts.  They pulled down seven more rebounds than the Javs.

The Javelinas are back in action on Monday night at 8 o’clock against Lone Star Conference North Division rival Northeastern State. 
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