ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (Women's Basketball) – Shooting 54.2 percent in the first half, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (0-4) entered halftime with a 35-34 lead. However, Henderson State University (2-4) held the Javelinas to 7-of-33 shooting in the second half to claim a 70-57 victory on Friday afternoon at the Duke Wells Center.
Kyra Bauer led all TAMUK players with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting as the junior newcomer continues to provide a spark for the Javelinas. Bauer finished with six rebounds and went 5-of-7 from the charity stripe.
Micah Weaver,
Ruby Robertson and
Ope Ibrahim each swiped two passes but the Hogs committed 17 turnovers.
A perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line as a team, the Javelinas' quick start allowed the club to lead by as much as six and begin the second half with a one-point lead. All 10 of Weaver's points came in the opening half. Trailing 8-4, the Blue and Gold went on a 7-0 run to overtake the Reddies, 11-8, with 13:44 left to play in the first. After trading baskets, the Hogs went on another run, scoring six unanswered points to break a tie and hold a 23-17 edge with 8:44 remaining. Despite the seven lead changes, a fast break layup by Weaver gave the Hogs a 35-34 lead at the half.
The Javelinas scored seven of the second half's first nine points behind three-pointers by
Ashley Viera and Bauer to lead 42-36 with 15:46 remaining in the game. However, Henderson State relied on the three-ball to keep the score close as the Reddies connected on two triples to tie the game at 50-all with 7:49 left to play. Things would fall apart quickly for the Hogs as HSU finished the game on a 20-7 run to defeat the Javelinas 70-57. The matchup was the second all-time against the two programs and first since Dec. 3, 1993, when Texas A&M-Kingsville defeated Henderson State, 66-63.
Aungelique Sledge led all players with 25 points and seven rebounds and sharpshooter Haleigh Henson pitched in 19, 15 coming from three-point range.
The Hogs head to Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Sunday, Nov. 30 for a 1 p.m. slate.
