KINGSVILLE, Texas (Men's Basketball) – If the opening minute was any indication of the second half of LSC play, the Javelinas will be a force to be reckoned. Off a steal by
Jamar Goodwin,
Duan Wright went sailing past a Greyhound defender for a two-on-one dunk, making a case for ESPN Sportscenter's Top 10 Plays.
The play was a precursor to a big first half as Texas A&M University-Kingsville (7-13, 2-6 LSC) cruised to a 83-52 win over Eastern New Mexico University (7-14, 0-8 LSC) on Wednesday evening at Gil H. Steinke Physical Education Center-Kingsville Hampton Inn Court.
"It's a good feeling when you can come out and execute," said head coach
Johnny Estelle. "These kids have worked hard all year and have been disappointment with the way some games have gone, so it's great to win one in front of our fans. We worked on some things we needed to improve on and a lot of our guys saw action. It is vital to have everyone contribute especially with the LSC Tournament right around the corner."
"We are trying to change the culture here. We knew it was going to take some time, but we want to lay a winning foundation. That is what Javelina Nation is about. It was when I played here, and still is. It's about playing hard, playing for each other, and the rich tradition and culture that is Javelina Nation."
A 16-0 run in the middle of the first half blew the game open, giving the Javelinas a 28-12 lead as the team registered six steals in 10 minutes. The efficiency continued as the Javelinas had nine assists on 10 field goals with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half. At halftime, TAMUK held a 47-26 edge. The points total was the most in the first half this season and the Blue and Gold dominated all facets, shooting 56 percent from the field, forcing 10 turnovers and dishing out 13 assists on 15 made field goals.
Don Thomas led all Texas A&M-Kingsville players with 11 points and
Will West dished out four assists.
Jordan Jahr scored eight points, pulled down four rebounds and swiped three passes. For the Greyhounds, John Gilliam scored a game-high 18 points in the opening frame.
The win gives the Javelinas their first home conference victory since Feb. 1, 2014 versus Angelo State University.
Five players reached double figures as
Jordan Jahr scored 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting and added seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. West went 6-of-8 for 15 points and Thomas recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Hogs held the Greyhounds to 19 percent shooting the second half and 25.5 percent overall.
Kingsville heads to Canyon for a 4 p.m. slate versus West Texas A&M University on Feb. 7.
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