KINGSVILLE, Texas (Men's Basketball) – Texas A&M University-Kingsville (4-0) proved to Texas A&M International University (5-4) that the first meeting was not a fluke as they downed them again 65-56 at the Gil E. Steinke Physical Education Center-Kingsville Hampton Inn Court on Tuesday night.

The Javelinas had a great team effort offensively as they shot at least 50% throughout the entire game and held their opponent to 16-of-44 from the field and just 4-of-16 from three-point range while forcing 21 turnovers. In 23 minutes, Trey Sumpter led the team in scoring with 14 points followed by Robert Stevenson who contributed 12 points off of the bench by shooting a flawless 6-of-6 from the floor. Caelan Neal finished with ten points and tied Robert Christian with a team-high of three assists who also added eight points. Marcus Fraizer had seven points, while Sumpter and Duan Wright led on the boards with four apiece. Wright and Elliot Taylor both ended the game with six points. 

TEAM LEADERS

Texas A&M-Kingsville
Points: Trey Sumpter, 14
Rebounds: Two players with four rebounds
Assists: Two players with three assists
Steals: Six players with one steal
Blocks: Five players with one block
 

Texas A&M International
Points: Dan Milota, 15
Rebounds: Jordan VanDeKop, 6
Assists: Jordan VanDeKop, 3
Steals: Arthur Santanna, 3
Blocks: Bunja Yaboe, 2

1st Half
A tight first half that resulted in five ties and four lead changes ended with both clubs knotted at 34. The Hogs had their most efficient first half of the season as they shot 56% from the floor and 5-of-7 from the foul line. Stevenson led the Javs with eight strong points off the bench. Neal and Taylor had six points each, while Sumpter, Wright and Christian all had four points.
 

2nd Half
TAMUK opened the second half on a 10-0 run creating the largest margin of the game. However, the Dustdevils fought their way back and eventually tied the game at 49. Moments later, Stevenson finished on a tough layup while getting fouled and sparked an 8-0 run for the home team with less than four minutes remaining in the game. The Javelinas never relinquished that lead and won their third game at home this season 65-56.
 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• TAMUK's bench continued to thrive as they outscored TAMIU 27-14. 
• The Hogs pulled away in the second half and outscored the Dustdevils 20-4 in the paint, 14-6 off of turnovers and 13-7 from the bench.
• The defense was big in the second half for the Javs as they recorded four blocks and held the Dustdevils to 4-of-19 shooting including 1-of-5 from beyond the arc.
• The Javelinas was out-rebounded in the game 32-27 and had 19 turnovers.
• Trey Sumpter had the hot hand in the second half and led all scorers with 10 points. 
• Marcus Fraizer was 5-of-6 from the charity stripe

Estelle's Corner

When asked about:

…how the team has started this season.…

"When it comes to our team, the thing that I have been proud of is how hard our team is playing, the defensive effort we are giving and the chemistry that we are exhibiting early. I have always emphasized defense early because defense brings you together and travels. Coach Mathew and Gonzalez are both doing a great job with preparation and our kids are responding."

…Robert Stevenson's production off of the bench.…

"He played well tonight and did some great things. He brought us some much needed energy. This is only his second semester of playing and he is still learning. He wants to be good and works hard to be good which helps when it comes to his development."
 

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Texas A&M-Kingsville 65, Texas A&M International 56
Records: Texas A&M-Kingsville (4-0), Texas A&M International (5-4)
Series: Texas A&M-Kingsville are 18-5 against Texas A&M International
Location: The SPEC Kingsville, Texas
Time Of Game: 7:30 p.m.

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