KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – Since the calendar turned over to 2010, the Texas A&M-Kingsville men’s basketball team has been in a funk shooting the ball.  The first four games of the new year were on the road, but the struggles continued at home on Saturday as the team dropped a 72-62 decision to Lone Star Conference South Division rival Eastern New Mexico.  (box score)

Since shooting 49.2 percent from the field in a win over Huston-Tillotson on December 30, the Javelinas (10-7, 0-2) have not shot better than 38.0 percent from the field in a game.  Unfortunately, the poor shooting has led to a season high five game losing streak.

The Greyhounds (7-9, 2-0) used a stifling defense and well executed offense to control the pace of the ball game.  A 16-2 run near the beginning of the first half, gave the visitors a lead they would never relinquish.

The Javelinas put together a number of mini runs to threaten the Greyhounds, but were never able to get closer than six points, which was the halftime deficit.  Coming out of the break, ENMU scored the first seven points of the half to take a 42-29 lead.  They maintained the lead by knocking down 12 free throws in the final four minutes of the game.

This is only the second time the Greyhounds have defeated the Javelinas at Kingsville Hampton Inn Court since Pete Peterson became the Hoggie coach prior to the 1997-98 season.

The Javelinas shot 35.1 percent from the field, made 3-of-20 three-point attempts and were 19-for-26 at the foul line.  Royce Gaye (Houston/Klein HS) led the team with 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench.  Antwan Mullins (Katy/Cinco Ranch HS) added 11 points while making all five of his free throws.  Marcus Ford (Colorado Springs, CO/Mesa Ridge HS) led the team with eight rebounds.

The Greyhounds had four players score in double figures as Equs Darby and Victor Reid led the team with 13 points apiece.  Tyler Jefferson added 12 points and Tralyn Harden scored 11 points off the bench and made a trio of three-pointers.  Reid led the team with eight rebounds.

The Greyhounds shot 46.5 percent from the floor, went 4-for-10 from three-point range and were 28-of-34 from the foul line.

The Javelinas are back in action on Wednesday night at 8 o’clock against Angelo State on “Pack the House Night.”
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