KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – A quick start helped the Texas A&M-Kingsville men’s basketball team earn a 61-57 victory over visiting Lone Star Conference North Division rival Southwestern Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon at Kingsville Hampton Inn Court. (box score)

The Javelinas (5-5) jumped out to a 21-10 lead by the second media time out of the first half thanks to an 8-0 run. They were able to take a 32-23 lead into halftime.

In the second half the Hoggies still held a double digit lead with 13:11 remaining in the game, but the Bulldogs (7-5) continued to chip away at the margin. SWOSU pulled to within three points after a three-pointer by Zac Howe with 7:26 remaining, but Adam Morris (Goliad/Goliad HS) answered for the home team with six consecutive free throws giving the Hogs a 54-45 lead with 4:05 to play.

The Bulldogs continued to fight and after three-pointers by Howe and Ross Moore, they trailed 58-55 with 1:48 left. Each team made a defensive stop and then Moore made it a one point game after hitting a pair of free throws with 32 seconds remaining.

Marcus Ford (Colorado Springs, CO/Mesa Ridge HS) was fouled immediately by Southwestern and made 1-of-2 from the foul line. Curtis Nickson was able to draw a foul on the other end and went to the line with a chance to tie the game for the visitors. He missed both free throws and the Javelinas came up with the rebound. Two free throws by Antwan Mullins (Katy/Cinco Ranch HS) sealed the game for the Hogs.

The Javelinas shot 43.5 percent from the field, made 5-of-16 from three-point range and were 16-for-26 at the foul line. Morris led the team with a career high 21 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Mark Stevenson (South Bend, IN/R.J. Reynolds HS) added 10 points while Mullins had 12 points and five assists off the bench.

The Bulldogs shot just 38.3 percent from the field, made 5-of-17 from three-point range and were 16-for-23 at the foul line. Ty Pace led the squad with 13 points and nine boards while Charleston Flemmings and Moore each had 11 points. Nickson finished with nine rebounds and three blocks.

The Javelinas forced the Bulldogs into 21 turnovers while committing 16, but SWOSU controlled the glass with 12 more rebounds.

The Javelinas are back in action on Monday at 8 p.m. against Cameron at home.
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