RAPID CITY, S.D. - Two Javelinas scored in double-digits as the Texas A&M-Kingsville men's basketball team opened the 2023-24 season with a 54-49 win on the road against the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers.
Both the Javelinas (1-0, LSC 0-0) and Hardrockers (0-1, RMAC 0-0) would not concede baskets easily in the opening night matchup, shooting 27.7 and 30.9 percent from the field respectively. Neither team found much success from beyond the arc either as TAMUK was 2-23 on the night from three while SD Mines was 4-28. Likewise, the Javelina's defense netted them 11 steals on the night.
The difference in the game would come from the charity stripe. The Hardrockers made 13 trips to the free throw line, cashing in on eight of them. The Hogs, meanwhile, had almost double the attempts and double the makes, going 16-23 on the night including 7-10 from
Dillon Gooding.
The matchup was tightly contested from the start as both teams traded baskets and possessions in the opening half.
C.J. Smith led the scoring for the Hogs in the first half with eight points.
Dillon Gooding and
Nate Garcia were close behind with five and four points as the Javelinas trailed at the break, 22-26.
The second half would be a similar story as the teams were tied at 41 apiece with 10:00 remaining in the game. From there, the Javelinas would outscore the Hardrockers 13-8 down the stretch to take a 54-48 lead into the final three minutes.
The closing minutes of the game saw both teams clamp down on defense once again, as a single free throw by SD Mines would be the only points the game would see in the last three minutes as the Javelinas closed opening night with a victory, 54-49.
Smith led the scoring for the Hogs on the night with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Gooding wrapped up the night with 11 points.
Kavon Booker had himself a night as well, bringing home 8 points, and a team-leading 9 rebounds and 2 assists.
UP NEXT
The Javelinas make a quick turnaround as they head to Chadron, Nebraska to take on the Eagles of Chadron State tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT at the Chicoine Center.
The Eagles are coming off a nail-biting 80-78 loss to Texas A&M International on Friday night where four players scored in double-digits, including two 20+ point performances.
Follow the Javelinas all season long by visiting javelinaathletics.com to find links to live stats and streaming information as well as a recap at the end of each contest. To keep up-to-date with Javelina Men's Basketball, follow the program on Facebook /JavelinaMBB or on X @JavelinaMBB. Watch your Javelinas live today on the Javelina Sports 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
