Houston - Texas A&M-Kingsville could not keep up with Texas Southern late in the game on Wednesday as it fell, 72-80, at HP&E Arena.
The Javelinas (3-3, 0-1 Lone Star Conference) got the game within a point after a
Bryson Goldsmith 3-pointer with 6:49 left in the game. The Tigers (2-5) would then go on a 11-0 run in just three minutes of game time to pull away from Texas A&M-Kingsville and seal the win in Houston.
Isaiah Payne led the way with 18 points,
Allen Singleton was right behind him with 16 points,
Nate Lacewell added 13 and Goldsmith chipped in 10. Lacewell pulled down a team-high seven rebounds and Payne led the team with four assists.
Perimeter shooting was the name of the game for the Javelinas, as they hit a season-high nine shots from beyond the arc. It was not until late in the first half when the deep shots began falling however, as two of the four first half threes were rattled in with under four minutes to go. The final of which was a shot beyond half court from Singleton just as the half ended to cut the lead to just four for the Tigers.
As the second half began, it looked as though Texas Southern would be able to pull away from the Javelinas. However, an and-one from Payne and a pullup jumpshot from Singleton kept the Javelinas in the mix early in the half. Both teams would continue to trade small runs with each other before a layup by Lacewell brought the game within four, the Goldsmith's three brought the game within a point. That would be the closest the Javelinas got however, as the Tigers used a late surge to power themselves to victory.
Texas A&M-Kingsville heads back on the road to take on Southeastern Oklahoma State University Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CST. Fans of the Javelinas can watch on Youtube or follow live coverage at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.
