KINGSVILLE, Texas – After nearly a month-long hiatus, #RV Texas A&M University-Kingsville (9-3, 2-0 LSC) will return and remain in Lone Star Conference competition, capping off a four-game homestand against Midwestern State University (3-9, 0-3 LSC) on December 30 at the Gil E. Steinke Physical Education Center.
Despite a two-game skid, the Javelinas have yet to taste defeat in conference games this season and hopes to continue that trend when Midwestern State comes to town. Entering the game with a 71.9 scoring average behind a 45 percent clip, it is the Hogs defense that has sent waves throughout Division II, ranking second in the LSC in scoring defense (65.5 points per game, 20th in DII), forced turnovers (17.00 per game, 31st in DII), and total blocks (50, 33rd in DII).
Trey Sumpter is the team leader with 11.9 ppg and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Jacolby Harris is next with 9.5 points per contests while
Caelan Neal and
Derrick Byrd both average eight points. Byrd is tied with
Cris Boleware with 29 assists per game and the sixth man
Robert Stevenson (5.9 ppg) pulls down five rebounds per game and is tied for 2nd in the league with 21 blocks (39th in DII).
The Mustangs have yet to capture a win in conference play with losses against Tarleton State (73-59), A&M-Commerce (95-77), and Angelo State (94-82). They are also coming off of a 78-70 loss to Southern Indiana. Although MSU sits fourth in the conference with a scoring average of 81.5 points per game, they are dead last in scoring defense, relinquishing 86.8 points to their opponents. They are a tough defensive bunch, however, as they lead the LSC with nine steals per contest (108 total) and a 3.83 turnover margin. Brandon Neal is the team leader with 17.5 ppg and 5.8 rebounds per game, shooting 48 percent from the field. Logan Hicks follows with 12.3 ppg and Devante Pullum rounds out the double-digit scorers for the Mustangs with 11.4 ppg. Pullum is tied for first in the LSC with 60 assists and ranks fifth with 21 steals.
Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m. and fans can catch all of the action via live stream or live stats with both links presented on the men's basketball schedule page at javelinaathletics.com.
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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