KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – Texas A&M-Commerce entered Thursday night’s cross divisional matchup with Texas A&M-Kingsville as the top shooting team in the Lone Star Conference. The Javelina men’s basketball team responded with a spirited defensive effort that to a 72-62 win at Kingsville Hampton Inn Court. (box score)
The closely contested game turned toward the Javelinas (4-1) in the second half when their offense started to execute leading to easy baskets while the defense hounded the Lions (4-1) all around the court. Flavio Milam (Ellison/Killeen HS) and Antwan Mullins (Katy/Cinco Ranch HS) poured in the points in the second half with 15 and 11, respectively.
In the first half, the Javelina offense struggled mightily as they scored just 13 points in the first 13:49 and trailed by seven points. Royce Gaye (Houston/Klein HS) keyed a Hoggie comeback before the half by scoring seven points in the final six minutes of the first half. They went into the break tied at 29-29.
In the second half, the Javelinas scored the first six points and never trailed. The Lions tied it twice in the half and each time the Javelinas scored on their next possession. The first was a Milam lay-up and the second was a three-pointer by Marcus Ford (Colorado Springs, CO/Mesa Ridge HS).
Leading 59-54 with under four minutes to play the Javelinas turned to Mullins for the big plays. First, he drained a three-pointer with time running down on the shot clock and then calmly sank both ends of a 1-and-1 on the next trip to give the team a 10-point lead.
The Javelina defense made the final stand as the Lions tried to make one last ditch effort. The Hogs led by eight points with 1:26 when Brian Singleton had an open look at a three-pointer, but Naquawn Lee (San Antonio/East Central HS) came a great distance to block the shot and effectively end the Lions’ chances at a win. Prior to that shot, Singleton had made 3-of-4 three-point attempts.
The Javelinas shot 44.1 percent from the field for the game, but 57.1 percent in the second half. Milam led the team with a career high 22 points while adding eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Gaye was terrific again with 16 points and six boards. Mullins finished with 12 points and Ryan Wallace (Spring/Tomball HS) had six points and a team high 10 rebounds. Lee added eight points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The Javs made 5-of-16 three-pointers and 15-of-26 from the foul line. They grabbed eight more rebounds than the Lions and committed 15 turnovers.
The Lions shot 37.9 percent from the field, made 3-of-15 three-pointers and 15-of-20 free throws. Singleton led four players in double figures with 15 points. Brad Hambrick added 14 points, Ronnie Morgan had 11 points and six rebounds and Sammy Jackson added 10 points. Cardell Hunter had eight points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Justin Wilkerson led the team defensively with three blocks and two steals. They committed 16 turnovers as a team.
The Javelinas are back in action on Saturday at 4 o’clock against St. Mary’s at Kingsville Hampton Inn Court.
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