KINGSVILLE, Texas (Men's Basketball) – Down 14 entering the second half, the Javelinas connected on back-to-back triples by Don Thomas and Jordan Jahr (following a steal by Duan Wright) to cut their deficit to eight. The swarming defense Texas A&M University-Kingsville (1-1) highlighted in the season-opening win returned and the full-court pressure forced three pivotal turnovers, allowing the Hogs to go on a 9-0 run as the Blue and Gold took its first lead of the game, 42-40 with 14:42 left in the game. However, the streaky shooting displayed by Henderson State University (1-1) was too much to overcome as the Reddies downed the Javelinas, 65-61, on Sunday afternoon inside the Gil H. Steinke Physical Education Center-Kingsville Hampton Inn Court.
 
Continuing its havoc defense, the Hogs posted 13 points off turnovers and five steals in the opening 6:37 of the second half to overtake HSU and lead 45-40 with 13:23 left.
 
After holding the Reddies scoreless for nearly five minutes, Henderson State connected on a three-pointer for its second field goal of the second half. Back-to-back threes gave the Reddies a two-point edge with 11:00 left to play. Leading 56-50, the Reddies struggled to hold onto the ball as Goodwin's fourth swipe of the game led to a fast break layup by Troy Jones.
 
A Jahr three-pointer gave the senior his second triple of the afternoon and cut TAMUK's deficit to two, 61-59 with 1:37 left. Duan Wright blocked HSU's shot on the ensuing possession but a second chance bucket by the Reddies made it a two-possession ballgame. Trailing by five with 38 seconds remaining, Jahr's lay-up cut Henderson State's lead to three and following a Kingsville timeout, a double team forced a Reddie turnover to give the Javelinas an opportunity to tie the game and force overtime. However, Texas A&M-Kingsville could not convert and the Reddies sealed the victory, 65-61, after draining a free throw.
 
"We were not prepared today and we did not play to the best of our ability against a tough opponent," said head coach Johnny Estelle. "The defense was not as good as it needed to be and the five three-pointers Kevin Kozan hit really kept Henderson State in the game. I believe we will bounce back. We will continue to improve as a unit."
 
Jamar Goodwin led all scorers with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. The newcomer added two blocks and two steals and Wright finished with three steals and two swats. Jahr nearly posted his second double-double in as many games, ending the nonconference tilt with 14 points and nine boards and Jones went 4-of-6 for nine points in 25 minutes of action.
 
A sluggish start to begin the game put the Javelinas in a 14-4 hole with just over 12 minutes of action remaining in the first. The Reddies began the game shooting 60 percent from behind-the-arc. Kevin Kozan torched the Hoggies with his hot touch from three-point range, scoring 14 of Henderson State's 20 points in the opening 10 minutes as HSU led 20-9 before Jahr's putback layup cut the contest to single digits. At the half, Kozan's 17 led all scorers and Henderson State held a 14-point edge, 38-24. Goodwin led Texas A&M-Kingsville with nine points and Trey Sumpter added seven off of the bench.
 
The Javelinas conclude its three-game home stand on Wednesday, Nov. 19 when they host St. Mary's University at 7 p.m. The Rattlers received votes in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll.
 
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Notes: The starting lineup of Don Thomas, Duan Wright, Jamar Goodwin, Jordan Jahr and Troy Jones are 1-1… Goodwin reached 20 points in back-to-back games to begin his Javelina career… the Javelinas scored 19 points off turnovers and led for 3:47 of the game.