KINGSVILLE, Texas (Men's Basketball) – If the first two games of the 2015-16 men's basketball season are any indication, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (2-0) is becoming one of the most clutch teams in Division II. In the closing game of the Emerald Beach Hotel Javelina Men's Basketball Tip-Off Challenge Sunday at the Gil H. Steinke Physical Education Center-Kingsville Hampton Inn Court,
Jamar Goodwin connected on an extra-effort three-pointer from the corner to give the Javelinas a one-point lead. The Hogs were able to escape Sunday with a 56-53 victory over Texas A&M International University (0-2) to improve to 2-0.
DJ Weathers led all players with 18 points, 10 coming in the first half, and Goodwin added five points, two blocks and two steals.
Cris Boleware dished out three assists and recorded six points and four rebounds and
Troy Jones finished with six points and five boards.
With 4:18 remaining in the game, Weathers hit the first of two free throws to give TAMUK a three-point lead. The Dustdevils were able to score on a second chance bucket after a Goodwin block and Texas A&M International swung the game in favor the Maroon and Black with 1:31 remaining.
Weathers stormed down the floor and connected on a transition triple from the right corner with 1:22 left and Deonnte Breedlove followed with a three-pointer of his own to give TAMIU the lead once again with 1:07 left.
The resilient Hogs attempted three shots from behind-the-arc with the dagger being the third off the Boleware dish. A night after
Marcus Frazier sunk an and-one for the victory, Goodwin's triple and two free throws by Jones clinched the 2-0 start for the Javelinas.
"The play of the game was
Cris Boleware getting to the loose ball to give us another opportunity," said
Johnny Estelle. "Our region is tough and these were two close ballgames that brought us together as a team. We are improving every day and it is great to give the great fans of Javelina Nation two good wins. Our fans are the best fans in the world and we thank them for filling the arena and helping us win these two games. The electricity in the crowd is what propelled us to the victories."
At the half, Texas A&M-Kingsville led 32-28 behind Weathers' 10 points.
The Javelinas hit the road for the first time this season, taking on South Central Regional foe St. Mary's University on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. It will be the first of three games next week and precludes an exhibition at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (Nov. 20) and a home bout on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. versus Ohio Valley University.
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