KINGSVILLE, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville women's basketball program came out swinging in the second half in a Lone Star Conference matchup against UT Permian Basin on Thursday, but couldn't find the winning combination en route to the 48-43 loss at the Steinke Physical Education Center.

"I'll tell you one thing, I love our team," said head coach Michael Madrid. "I love their fight and I love the energy that they bring. I believe this was a winnable game and if we correct some mistakes with turnovers and shoot the ball better, then we probably win this basketball game.

"I love them, I love their effort, and I'm looking forward to getting better tomorrow."

The Javelinas (1-5, 0-4 LSC) got within four late in the fourth quarter, but the Falcons (6-4, 3-1 LSC) endured the push and came away with the decision.

A slow start to the contest was in order as the Blue and Gold were held to three points in the opening frame. UTPB jumped out to an 11-0 lead with 2:08 showing on the clock before a free throw from junior Treazure Mouton (Houston, Texas) broke the scoring drought for the hosts.

The 14-3 score after the first quarter was quickly trimmed following a 6-0 run to start the second from TAMUK. Layups from Mouton and classmate Ravae Payne (Pearland, Texas), combined with a midrange jumper from sophomore Bridget Upton (George West, Texas), cut the deficit to 14-9 with 8:30 remaining in the stanza, but the visitors soon pushed the gap back to double digits with an 8-0 run over the next three minutes that set the score at 22-9 at the 5:21 mark.

A bucket from either side punctuated the final portion of the opening half as a layup from sophomore Jalynn Johnson (Sugar Land, Texas) was matched by a jumper from Rory Carter to put the sides at 24-11 going into the break.

The Javelinas trades baskets through the majority of the third quarter, with a three-ball from Payne at the 4:35 mark cut the gap to 29-18 before the Falcons added a pair of long-range shots to balloon the cushion back to 17.

Payne added another trey at the end of the third that set the score at 40-28 going into the final quarter that ignited a 14-3 run for the hosts. TAMUK held UTPB scoreless in the first 5:57 of the fourth to cut the lead down to six, while a pair of free throws from Payne at the 1:50 mark got the Javelinas within four.

The 43-39 score saw a pair of jumpers from either side to keep the Falcons' lead at four, but the visitors held on with three free throws form Holly Hemmeline to take the win at 48-43.

Payne finished with her second consecutive 20-point game as she ended with exactly 20 on 6-for-14 shooting. Her efforts on the floor also saw four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Johnson grabbed her second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds, matching her total against UAFS back on November 23. She also added three blocks and one assist to her time on the floor.

Junior Anastacia Mickens (Beaumont, Texas) rounded out the trio with four points and eight rebounds alongside one assist, one steal and one block.

The Javelinas remain at home over the weekend as they take on Western New Mexico on Saturday, December 21, with tipoff at 2 p.m. CT at the SPEC.

Watch your Javelinas live today on the Javelina Sports Network sponsored by Mendoza's Pharmacy. To keep up-to-date with Javelina Women's Basketball, follow the program on Facebook /JavelinaWBB or Twitter @Javelina_WBB

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