KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – Texas A&M-Kingsville senior forward Flavio Milam (Killeen/Ellison HS) has become the leading man for the men’s basketball team in the last few games and Saturday afternoon was no different.  He led the Javelinas with 15 points and 13 rebounds while making two free throws with 33 seconds left to supply the margin of victory in a 50-49 win over visiting St. Mary’s University at Kingsville Hampton Inn Court.  (box score)
 
The back and forth affair featured nine lead changes and seven ties throughout.  The game looked to be the Javelinas after Milam knocked down a three-pointer and scored on a fast break dunk on back-to-back possessions to give the team a 46-39 lead with 6:17 to play.  The Hogs maintained their seven-point lead after a Marcus Ford (Colorado Springs, CA/Mesa Ridge HS) steal and dunk with 4:13 to play.
 
Over the next 3:30, the Rattlers (3-5) played lock down defense and started scoring on the inside.  Post men Kevin Kotzur and Jeremy Fonteneaux each scored twice to give St. Mary’s a 49-48 lead with 1:09 to play.
 
On the ensuing possession, Milam was fouled going to the hoop with the shot clock winding down.  He calmly sank both free throws.
 
The Rattlers were able to get off a Curtis Mitchell three-point attempt, but it was off the mark and fittingly, Milam grabbed the rebound to secure the victory.
 
The Javelinas shot just 33.9 percent from the field and made 3-of-15 three-point attempts, but made up for it by making all nine of their free throws and committing only five turnovers in the game.  Royce Gaye (Houston/Klein HS) had 12 points and five boards while Naquawn Lee (San Antonio/East Central HS) chipped in with 10 points before fouling out.  Point guard Antwan Mullins (Katy/Cinco Ranch HS) did not score, but had four assists and three steals without a turnover in 39 minutes of action.
 
The Rattlers shot 43.5 percent from the field, made 5-of-13 three-pointers and 4-of-8 foul shots.  Darren Lee led the team with 15 points and 11 rebounds from his guard spot.  Kotzur added 10 points and eight rebounds while Mitchell finished with 12 points.  The Rattlers pulled down seven more rebounds than the Javelinas, but committed 12 turnovers.
 
The Javelinas are back in action on Monday night at home against Texas A&M-International at 7 o’clock.  The Javs won both games against the Rattlers this year by a combined five points.
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