Box Score KINGSVILLE, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville women's basketball team set out to avenge last weekend's loss to St. Mary's in San Antonio but fell 65-62 to the Rattlers – a NCAA Regional participant – on Kingsville Hampton Inn Court.
The loss drops the Javelinas to 2-2 on the season with both losses coming to St. Mary's who is now 3-1.
Kingsville came out firing from long range hitting 6-of-14 3-point basket attempts in the first 20 minutes and took a 35-32 lead into the locker room. Sophomore Ashley Viera hit three of her six attempts from behind the arc and had 11 of her team-high 18 points in the first half.
The Javelinas continued look to strong early in the second half scoring the first four points including a bucket by Ruby Robertson off her own miss. The bucket made it 39-32 Hoggies less than two minutes into the second half.
Kingsville would then struggle to find its shot and Lia Koa capped a 7-0 run with a three to knot the game at 49 with 15:15 left.
Tied at 47 after a Viera foul shot, St. Mary's when on a 12-2 run to build a 10-point lead. Kingsville would commit five turnovers during the run while hitting just 1-of-7 field goals. The Hoggies would hit just 27% of their shots in the second half going 10-of-37.
Despite the struggles shooting, the Javelinas battled back pulling to within one, 63-62, with 22 seconds left.
Copeland was key in the run.
After a pair of foul shots, the freshman swiped a steal that was converted in a basket by Sheana Jones to make it 61-57. Following a basket by St. Mary's, Copeland drained a three to pull within 63-60 with 45 seconds left.
Kingsville would get the ball back with 26 seconds left a Jackie Woods turnover. Viera drove the lane and scored to make it 63-62 with 22 seconds left.
Forced to foul, Lindsey Mahone fouled Kyra Littlejohn who drained a pair of free throws to make it 65-62.
Littlejohn led the visitors with 18 points, while Jackie Woods had 14 and Morgan Pullins had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Mahone raced down to try a jumper but came up short and fouled out trying to extend the game.
Koa missed the free throw and Kingsville had a last chance to tie but could not get a 3-point shot off.
Kingsville is off until Friday at 7:30 when it hosts Our Lady of the Lake.