Quick Start Not Enough for Javs

CANYON, TEXAS – The Texas A&M-Kingsville men’s basketball team got off to a fast start on Wednesday night at West Texas A&M, but it was not enough as they fell to the Buffs by a 65-57 margin. It was the Lone Star Conference South Division season opener for both teams. (box score)

The Javelinas (10-6, 0-1) jumped out to a 20-11 lead in the first nine minutes of the game. They made eight of their first 13 shots from the floor, including three-pointers by Marcus Ford (Colorado Springs, CO/Mesa Ridge HS) and Adan Montalvo (La Joya/La Joya HS).

The Buffs (10-6, 1-0) quickly responded with a 9-0 run to tie the game up with 6:52 left in the first half. West Texas A&M kept up their run as they outscored the Hoggies 13-6 to close out the half and take a 33-27 lead into the break.

In the second half, the Buffs never relinquished their lead. They led by as many as 13 points after a Nick Burns three-pointer with 6:47 left in the game.

The Javelinas made a late run to pull to within four points with 32 seconds after an Antwan Mullins (Katy/Cinco Ranch HS) lay-up.

The Buffs were able to salt the game away at the foul line as Burns and Jacquiese Holcombe each hit a pair of free throws in the final 30 seconds of the game.

The Javelinas shot 38.0 percent from the field, made 5-of-20 three-pointers and were 14-for-24 from the foul line. Mullins led the team with 12 points, six assists and three steals. Flavio Milam (Killeen/Ellison HS) and Ford each contributed nine points.

The Buffs shot 44.4 percent from the field, made 7-of-15 from three-point range and 18-of-26 foul shots. Burns led all scorers with 20 points while knocking down 4-of-6 three-pointers and 6-of-7 from the foul line. Joe Mincey came off the bench to score 11 points while LaDarius Hall added 10 points. Chris Tucker dished out six assists.

The Buffs out rebounded the Javelinas 39-26 while the Hoggies forced 21 turnovers and committed only 15.

The Javelinas are back in action on Saturday at 3 o’clock at home against Eastern New Mexico.
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