KINGSVILLE, Texas – Riding the momentum of a three-game win streak that has pushed their record above .500, the Texas A&M-Kingsville women's basketball team will travel to Stephens Arena at The Junell Center, the home of conference rival Angelo State, for the ASU Thanksgiving Classic. This event will consist of two games for the Javelinas. First, they'll take on Oklahoma Christian University on Friday at 1:30 p.m., followed by a meeting with No. 14 Fort Lewis College at the same time on Saturday.
The star during TAMUK's recent run of success has been senior Angelica Wilson. On Tuesday against Texas A&M International, Wilson pocketed her third consecutive double-double, recording a career-high 15 rebounds in the process. She's now in possession of the third spot on the Lone Star Conference leaderboard for rebounds per game, with an average of 9.6. Just two spots behind her is teammate Tatyana McFarland, who's averaging 8.6 rpg. McFarland has also turned some heads with an impressive start to her Javelina career. Twice she's hit double digits in rebounds, including a performance against TAMIU in Laredo in which she pulled down 15 boards to go with 13 points.
The Hoggies have consistently played outstanding defense so far this year and they are in the top half of the LSC in scoring defense, field goal and three-point field goal percentage defense, and rebounding defense. They've outrebound their opponent in all five games this season, including their last two contests, during which TAMUK dominated Texas A&M International on the boards by a mark of 92-58.
Oklahoma Christian enters Friday following an eight-day layoff. Their last time on the court was on Nov. 16th, when they fell to Cameron 81-72, their fourth consecutive loss to begin the season. This clash will mark the second in a string of four games away from their home court for the Eagles, who are also attempting to snap a five-game road losing skid. Their last win away from Oklahoma City came Feb. 2nd, when they knocked off TAMIU.
OCU figures to rely on an offense that averages the second-most points-per-game in the Heartland Conference at 74.0, but they've also struggled on defense. The 79.0 ppg they allow are the worst in the conference and they also allow more rebounds than any other Heartland squad. Their top player in the early going has been guard Addy Clift, who enters this year off an honorable mention all-league sophomore campaign. The junior's average of 17.5 ppg places her third in HC. She had her best day in the Eagles' second game of the season, scoring 26 points against Midwestern State. TAMUK will also have to defend against Clift's three-point prowess, as she led the Heartland in three-point percentage a year ago, shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc.
After dealing with Oklahoma Christian, the Javelinas will have less than 24 hours until their matchup with Fort Lewis, but the Skyhawks will also be busy on Friday, when they are scheduled to battle Angelo State. Coach Jason Flores brings an unbeaten and ranked team to San Angelo, one that has cruised to blowout wins in the first three dates on their schedule. They disposed of UT Permian Basin by 18 on Nov. 10th before taking out another LSC foe, Eastern New Mexico, the next day. Their most recent contest saw them demolish Northern New Mexico, 105-51, on the 16th and they'll be looking to keep that momentum rolling into this tournament.
Through three games, the Skyhawks boast the best scoring and rebounding defense in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, having allowed an average of 43.0 ppg and 25.5 rpg. Offensively, they rank in the RMAC's top five in scoring, shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage. The catalyst on the offensive end for Fort Lewis has been freshman forward Vivian Gray. She's jumped to the top of the conference leaderboard with an average of 22.0 ppg and has topped 15 points all three games. She started her collegiate career by compiling a double-double versus UTPB and followed that up by scoring 30 points to go with nine rebounds against Eastern New Mexico. Joining her teammate in double figures thrice has been senior guard Astrea Reed. She also hit her season-high against the Greyhounds, tossing in 17.
For live coverage on each day, as well as a recap once the final buzzer sounds, visit Javelinaathletics.com. Receive content for Texas A&M-Kingsville women's basketball by following @TAMUKWBB on Twitter and Instagram, liking the official Facebook page of Javelina athletics (/JavelinaSports), and subscribing to the Javelina Athletics YouTube channel.
