KINGSVILLE, Texas – After being recognized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the D2SIDA Media Poll, #RV Texas A&M University-Kingsville (6-0) keeps its streak alive with a 63-56 win over Texas A&M International University (3-2) on Tuesday night inside of the Gil E. Steinke Physical Education Center. 
  
The Javelinas created enough separation in the first half to outlast the Dustdevils. In a second half that ended tied at 34, the home team put together a couple of important runs to secure the victory.  
 
"The biggest positive I pulled from today is team play," said by head coach Johnny Estelle. "Our spirit is great and we enjoy playing with one another. It was one of those games where everyone had an important contribution." 
 
Leading that charge was senior Caelan Neal who matched his career-high of 16 points, shooting 50 percent from both the floor and from three-point range. Estelle stated, "Caelan shot the ball well tonight and made some plays. He kind of deferred a little bit where I thought he could have made more plays, but he showed up big when it was time to win." 
 
Trey Sumpter, Derrick Byrd, and Jacolby Harris each accounted for eight points in the win, while Christian Bambrook set a new career-high of ten rebounds and chipped in six points in 22 minutes. Four Dustdevils ended the game scoring in double figures, starting with Brendan Ortiz (15 points), Dan Milota (12 points), Jeremy Wright (11 points), and Kamari Robinson (10 points).  
  
First Half 
TAMUK had a fast start, jumping out to an 8-4 lead behind two triples from Neal. After two quick fouls by Robert Stevenson, International went on a 10-2 run to give themselves a 12-10 lead. However, a successful three-point play by Harris put the home team back in the driver's seat at 13-12 with 10:35 on the clock. Later in the frame with just over five minutes left to play, Neal struck again from deep that was part of a 12-4 run. With seconds remaining, Cris Boleware's floater sent the Hogs into halftime with a 29-22 advantage.

Neal's nine points led all scorers and Harris added six points in the first 20 minutes.
    
Second Half 
It was a power struggle to begin the second stanza, but a kiss off of the glass by Stevenson gave the Hogs a ten-point cushion. Moments later, Sumpter drained a jumper to cap a 10-2 run, giving the Javelinas a 45-31 lead that would grow as big as 15, however, International trimmed it down to six (60-54) courtesy of a 15-6 run with 43 seconds remaining. The Javelinas would prevail though, sinking 3-of-4 free throws down the stretch for a 63-56 win.
       
Notable Stats 
- Despite a close score, the Javelinas was in control for the majority of the game as they possessed the lead for 38:29. TAMIU led for 47 seconds and the score was tied - for 44 seconds. 
- Kingsville was outshot 46.7-45.1 percent from the field and 27.8-23.8 percent from behind the arc. They did win the battle at the charity stripe, 75.0-64.3 percent. 
- The Javelinas 33-25 advantage in rebounds was highlighted by a 12-6 edge on the offensive glass that translated to 11 second-chance points. 
- The Javelinas totaled six blocks, led by Christian Bambrook and Robert Stevenson who both recorded two blocks. 
- Derrick Byrd was a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line and led the team with four assists. 
- Jacolby Harris had two assists and two steals. 
- Cris Boleware added six points in the win. 
 
The Hogs and Dustdevils will meet for the second time in four days, this time in Laredo, Texas. Tip-off is slated for Friday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. 
 
In parting, coach Estelle said, "I really appreciate our great fans here at Javelina Nation and want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving." 
 
Become a member of the 6th Man Pack that features great benefits such as reserved chairback seating for home games and access to the 6th Man Pack Lounge at LSC doubleheaders for the 2017-18 season. The 6th Man Pack Lounge will be catered by Fatman's Meat Market. For more information on joining the team, contact the ticket office at 361-593-4030. 
 
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