KINGSVILLE, Texas (Women's Basketball) – Trailing by five entering the second half, the Javelinas rode a 10-0 run to take a 42-37 lead behind Micah Weaver's eight points in the opening minutes of the frame. Despite ending the evening with a career-high 17 points, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (0-3) fell to No. 25 St. Mary's University (3-2), 80-71, on Tuesday evening at the Gil H. Steinke Physical Education Center-Kingsville Hampton Inn Court.
 
Michelle Wagner capped off her night with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting off the bench, tying her career-high and Lauren Jay posted her first double-double of the season and third of career with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Javelinas nearly upset the Rattlers despite committing 22 turnovers but St. Mary's has now earned its fourth straight victory against TAMUK.
 
"We have to find our chemistry and execute better on both ends," said head coach Wade Scott. "We played well to begin the second half but we have to carry that momentum throughout an entire game."
 
The Javelinas took an early lead behind its three-point shooting surge as 15 of their 32 first half points came from behind-the-arc. Led by Wagner's eight points, two assists and two steals off the bench, three players added at least five points – Jay (also added five rebounds), Tessa Ramirez and Ruby Robertson. Jennifer Ortiz pulled down four rebounds off the bench and three players recorded one block.
 
A second half spark led by Weaver's eight points in the opening minutes gave the Javelinas a 44-39 lead as the Hogs jumped out to a 12-2 run in the first 5:13 of the second frame. Texas A&M-Kingsville scored the second half's first 10 points to overtake the nationally-ranked Rattlers, 42-37. Later in the contest, St. Mary's received a huge jolt as four second chance opportunities led to six unanswered points and tied game with just over 8:00 remaining. However, Weaver continued her career night, driving to the hoop for a lay-up to give the Hogs a 58-56 lead with 7:31 left to play.
 
The second half rally fell just short as St. Mary's ended its slim two-game losing streak by going on a 13-6 run from 6:30 to 1:10 to take a 72-66 edge.
 
The Javelinas head to Henderson State University on Friday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. and Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. The Hogs return to Kingsville on Dec. 13 to take on St. Edward's University at 5 p.m.