KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – One night after a 22-point loss on the road, the Texas A&M-Kingsville women’s basketball team literally rebounded on Tuesday night to pick up a 63-44 win over visiting Our Lady of the Lake at Kingsville Hampton Inn Court. (box score)

The Javelinas (1-3) struggled to make a basket for most of the game, but were able to hang close thanks to some outstanding rebounding. Led by sophomore Victoria Gonzalez’s (Hidalgo/Hidalgo HS) career high 22 boards, the Hoggies grabbed 32 offensive rebounds and 23 total rebounds more than the Saints (1-3).

The Javelinas opened the first half making just 5-of-39 shots from the field while committing 12 turnovers. Fortunately, their own rugged defense held the Saints to only 22.9 percent shooting in the first half. The Saints took a 23-22 lead into the break.

In the second half, the Hoggies took the lead for good on a Novella Thomas (Corpus Christi/West Oso HS) jumper with 13:46 to play. Over the final 15 minutes of the game, the Javelinas outscored the Saints 33-11. They held the Saints scoreless over the final 6:49 to turn a close game into a blow out.

The Javelinas finished the game shooting 26.8 percent from the field, but shot 43.8 percent in the second half. They were 4-for-22 from three-point range and 21-for-33 at the foul line. They outscored the Saints, 26-7 on second chance points.

Gonzalez led the Hoggies with 16 points, 22 rebounds and four blocks. Thomas added a double-double of her own with 10 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. Freshman Chelsea Solis (San Antonio/Wagner HS) added 14 points while Meagan Barlow (D’Hanis/D’Hanis HS) had seven points and five assists.

The Saints shot 25.9 percent from the field, made 2-of-17 three-point attempts and were 12-for-25 at the foul line. Krystal Manning led the team with 11 points and six steals. Vernessa Roberts led the squad with nine rebounds.

The Javelinas are back in action on Saturday at Lone Star Conference North Division rival East Central at 2 p.m.
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