PUEBLO, Colo. – The Texas A&M-Kingsville men's basketball team found out firsthand what makes top-ranked Metro State the team to beat Friday afternoon as the Javelinas fell 73-44 in the first round of the Al Kaly Classic hosted by Colorado State-Pueblo at the Massari Arena.
It was the second game in a row for the Javelinas (0-2) against a ranked opponent to open the season. They will face the host Thunderswolves on Saturday at 8 p.m. central. The game will be available on Fox Sports Pueblo.
Friday's game was tight early. A 3-point basket by Jordan Jahr and a lay-in by Robert Powell pulled the Javelinas to within 15-11 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the half.
The Roadrunners, however, took control with a 23-4 run to close out the remaining of the half to lead 38-15. Kingsville could not make a run in the second half.
Rashad Basey and Adonis Bailey led the Javelinas with 11 and 10 points, respectively. The remainder of the Hoggie points came from a trio of players off the bench. Ta'Quan McDew and Jahr each had eight, while Powell finished with seven. Basey also had highs in rebounds and steals with six and two, respectively.
Nicholas Kay led the Roadrunners with 22 points, while Brandon Jefferson finished with 18 and Jamal McClerkin 10.