KINGSVILLE, Texas (Men's Basketball) – Texas A&M University-Kingsville (7-5, 0-3 LSC) nearly upset Texas A&M University-Commerce (11-2, 4-1 LSC) but came up short 74-72 in the Gil E. Steinke Physical Education Center on Thursday night.

The Javelinas start conference play 0-3 after being seconds away from stealing a win on their home floor against the Lions. Kingsville doubled their scoring in the second half and outscored A&M-Commerce 45-37 as they fought their way back in a game that the Lions seemed to have total control over. The Blue and Gold had four athletes score in double figures, led by Duan Wright who sparked the Javs with 20 points— all scored in the second half— and eight rebounds in 22 minutes. Caelan Neal followed with 13 points and Justin Jones added a season-high of 12 points behind four three-pointers. Thomas Diaz rounded out the double-digit scorers with a career-high 11 points and added five boards in the loss.  
 

TEAM LEADERS

Texas A&M-Kingsville
Points: Duan Wright, 20
Rebounds: Duan Wright, 8
Assists: Two players with three assists
Steals: Trey Sumpter, 3
Blocks: Four players with one block
 

A&M-Commerce
Points: Malik Albert, 20
Rebounds: Dorian Armstrong, 9
Assists: Three players with two assists
Steals: Jovan Austin, 3
Blocks: Two players with two blocks

1st Half
TAMUK started strong as they jumped out to a 15-5 lead behind Jone's two triples, but TAMUC responded with a 17-4 run to take control, 22-19. With less than five minutes in the half, the Lions cashed in on four quick points off of Javelina turnovers and Trey Seymore nailed a three from the corner extend their lead 33-21. Although Jones connected on another shot from long distance, the Hogs entered the locker room down 37-27. Jones led the way with nine points followed by Taylor who scored seven points and pulled down six rebounds.
 

2nd Half
Both clubs struggled to put points on the board to begin the half. The Javelinas had one made field goal until Sumpter made his first basket of the game with 13:40 on the clock. With the Lions ahead 51-35 and despite excessive calls on the home team, the Javs clawed their way back into the game with a 10-2 run led by Duan Wright's monster jam to ignite the team. TAMUK continued to push the envelope late in the half and with 32 seconds on the clock, Neal converted on the and-one to trim the once upon a time 16-point lead to four, 72-68. After a turnover by the Lions, Wright made a lay in, and after one made free throw by the visitors, Wright flushed it down to make it a one-point affair, 73-72. A&M-Commerce converted on 1-of-2 shots at the foul line and the Javelinas found themselves inbounding the ball with one second left and a chance to win it. Unfortunately a block a the three-point attempt from Sumpter ended the game as the Lions escaped the SPEC with a 74-72 victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Javelinas shot 25% from the floor in the first half but was a perfect 6-of-6 at the foul line.
• A&M-Commerce was 17-30 from the charity stripe in the second half. Both teams combined for 69 free throw attempts.
• Duan Wright had his second 20-point performance of the season and tied for the most points of all players. In the second half alone, he recorded 20 points and seven rebounds
• Justin Jones had season highs of 12 points and four three-point made field goals. Three of his four field goals were in the first half. 
• The Lions bench outscored the Hogs 45-26. The Lions also won the battle in the paint 34-28 and 14-4 in fast break points.
• TAMUK outscored TAMUC 45-37 in the second half. 

Estelle's Corner

When asked about:

…the biggest issue that lead to tonight's loss.…

"The main issue we had tonight is that we didn't play for 40 minutes. We could not sustain our early energy and execution which is a tribute to A&M-Commerce players and staff."

…the flow of the game overall and the response from your players.…

"I don't believe that I have ever coached in an uglier game before in terms of rhythm, execution and style in all my years of coaching. But one thing that I am proud of my guys for is that they played extremely hard and with passion. That is hard to accomplish with kids today so if we can continue to work and believe, then we will get better when it counts."

…the next opponent in #9 Tarleton State.…

"We must put this behind us and have short term memory. TSU is well coached and a talented team that will play physical and disciplined basketball. I know that our guys will bounce back and fight."

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Texas A&M-Kingsville 72, A&M_Commerce 74
Records: Texas A&M-Kingsville (7-5, 0-3 LSC), A&M-Commerce (11-2, 4-1 LSC)
Series: Texas A&M-Kingsville are 53-69 against A&M-Commerce
Location: The SPEC Kingsville, Texas
Time of Game: 7:30 p.m.

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