KINGSVILLE, Texas — The Texas A&M-Kingsville, Men's Basketball team continues to roll, starting the 2022-2023 campaign with a pair of wins as they topped the Chadron State Eagles 82-76 in an overtime thriller. Bill Carter Day at the Steinke Physical Education Center turned out to be a barn burner thanks in large part to the efforts of junior guard Isaiah Payne who, in his second game on the squad, racked up 22 points, going 7-11 from the field.
The Javelinas (2-0, 0-0 LSC) bested the Eagles (0-2, 0-0 RMAC) with a remarkable second-half surge ahead of an overtime battle featuring a handful of stellar performances.
In addition to the success of Payne, senior Creighton Avery and junior C.J. Smith each logged double-digit points, with Avery scoring 16 and Smith 13. Additionally, Kavon Booker collected six boards and 12 points, while Will Chayer recorded a team-leading seven rebounds.
CSC got going in a hurry, beginning the contest with an 8-0 run before the Javelinas chimed back with a surge of their own, going 5-10 with three triples and two free throws, putting the Hogs up 15-11. The Eagles quickly answered, going up 13, before ending the half with a 28-28 lead.
TAMUK came out of the locker room hot, using a 14-4 run to tie up 42-42 with 12:50 left in the second half. Still, CSC responded by going blow for blow with the Javelinas, making for a thrilling finish as the horn sounded with a total of 13 lead changes to end regulation.
After two free throws to start the overtime frame from Booker, the Javelinas never looked back as Avery and Payne logged multiple buckets to outscore the opposition 13-7, with each posting five apiece in OT.
Fans can keep up with everything related to Javelina men's basketball in 2022-23 by following @JavelinaMBB and @JavelinaSports on Twitter and Instagram, checking out Texas A&M University-Kingsville Men's Basketball on Facebook, subscribing to the Javelina Athletics YouTube Channel and visiting Javelinaathletics.com.
Watch your Javelinas live today on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network. Get the Official Javelina Athletics Mobile App today! Download on the App Store or Get It on Google Play to keep up with all the news, scores, and updates of your favorite Javelinas.
