TAMPA, Fla. – Troy Jones led Texas A&M University-Kingsville (4-6) with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting and 3-of-4 at the free throw line in a 79-76 overtime setback at University of Tampa Tuesday night at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.
Three other Javelinas reached double-digits points with
Don Thomas adding 15, all on threes, and
Duan Wright contributed 13.
Jordan Jahr nearly recorded a double-double with 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Also on the glass, Jones grabbed eight boards with an even split on the offensive and defensive ends.
Matching his season-high of five assists was Thomas, which he also accomplished in the season opener against Lake Erie.
Down 57-43 with 9:59 to play in the second half, TAMUK went on an 18-4 run to tie the score with 81 seconds left on the clock. Jones scored six points during the stretch including making two free throws to cap off the scoring.
The Spartans made a layup to go back on top but Wright made 1-of-2 at the charity stripe to cut the deficit to one with 39 seconds to go in regulation. Following two UT free throws, Thomas nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the contest to a five-minute extra period.
In overtime, the Spartans began the scoring with two free throws 26 seconds in. The Javelinas came back with a 7-2 spurt in 1:26 as Thomas hit a three-pointer while Jahr converted both of his attempts at the charity stripe.
UT outscored the Hogs 10-4 over the final 2:40 to seal the game. Both of TAMUK's baskets came from Jones including one of his signature dunks.
Four times the game was tied in the first half but the Spartans held the lead for the rest of the time. Their largest advantage was 31-24 with just under three minutes until intermission. In the first 20 minutes,
DJ Weathers scored all eight of his points and retrieved three rebounds.
The Javelinas close out the 2014 portion of their schedule on Saturday when they make the trip to San Antonio to take on Our Lady of the Lake. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Mabee Gymnasium.
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