KINGSVILLE, Texas – Four Javelinas scored in double figures and the Texas A&M-Kingsville men's basketball team nearly made up a 21-point second half deficit against the No. 8 St. Edward's Hilltoppers, but ultimately fell short, 83-76, on Saturday evening in Lone Star Conference action at the Steinke Physical Education Center in Kingsville, Texas.
TAMUK's four-game win streak was snapped and they fall to 17-6 overall and 13-4 in conference play, but they're still in third-place in the LSC. SEU moves to 21-2 overall and 15-2 in the LSC.
"We could've laid down and we didn't," said coach Johnny Estelle. "That's a tribute to the guys in our locker room and the heart and character they play with every time they represent this university. You can't spot those guys a 21-point lead. Coach Cook does a phenomenal job. It's game you're disappointed to lose, but we've got players who will take ownership of their mistakes and come back and get better."
Junior Tre Flowers (Bryan, Texas) led all scorers with 19 points and pilfered four steals. Three Javelina seniors also reached double figures, including Daniel Severo (Osasco, Brazil), who tallied a career-high 18 points. Rashon Thomas (Houston, Texas) put up 13 and Chauncey Thomas (Plano, Texas) finished with 12 and five assists.
The Hilltoppers shot 76.2 percent in the first half, including 8-of-12 on threes, and led, 52-31 at the half. They still had a 66-48 edge with 12:22 on the clock following two foul shots from Ashton Spears, but that's when the Javelina comeback began.
Flowers began the rally with five straight points, including a three-point play, cutting the deficit to 13. Rashon Thomas then tossed in five points of his own, hitting a triple with 9:32 left and making the score 66-58. Another Flowers three-point play followed and Chayer added two free throws. A Flowers layup brought the Hogs within a point at 66-65 with 8:02 on the clock.
The Hilltoppers were able to regain control, however, and scored 10 of the next 13 points to regain a 10-point edge. Twice after that, the Javs closed to within six, but could get no closer before the final buzzer sounded.
TAMUK will be on the court again on Saturday for a 4 p.m. clash with Texas A&M International at the SPEC. Stay current with TAMUK men's basketball throughout the 2019-20 season by following @JavelinaMBB and @JavelinaSports on Twitter and Instagram, liking Javelina Men's Basketball on Facebook and subscribing to the Javelina Athletics YouTube Channel. Watch your Javelinas live today on the Javelina Sports Network sponsored by Mendoza's Pharmacy.
