Durant, OK - Texas A&M-Kingsville used an offensive eruption to win its final non-conference game of the year Saturday against Southeastern Oklahoma State, 77-75, at Pioneer Cellular Event Center.
The Javelinas (4-3, 0-1 Lone Star Conference) hit eight 3-pointers and shot 43.9 percent from the field to match their season-high in points with 77. The offense was explosive from the jump, as Texas A&M-Kingsville also scored the most points in a half this season with 42 points in the first half.
Isaiah Payne erupted for a team-high 21 points,
Bryson Goldsmith was right behind him with 19 points and
Allen Singleton added 15.
Zyon Little reeled in a career-best 10 rebounds. Singleton and
Daniel Sanchez both led the team with three assists each.
Both teams could not seem to miss from deep in the first half, making a combined 15 3-pointers and each shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc. The shooting showcase began with Payne drilling the first shot of the game from deep, and both teams were off to the races with their offense.
Neither team could pull away from each other in the first half, as the Javelinas consistently gained and lost small leads. Eventually a Goldsmith layup gave Texas A&M-Kingsville a seven-point lead just before halftime. Strong shooting from Southeastern Oklahoma however brought the lead to just a point right before halftime.
In the second half, the grit of the Javelinas began to come through for them. Texas A&M-Kingsville doubled up the Savage Storm in offensive rebounds, largely thanks to the play of Little, and forced eight turnovers defensively. That grit led to a 10 point lead late in the game for the Javelinas, which was enough to seal the win on the road.
Texas A&M-Kingsville continues its long road trip next week in San Angelo to take on Angelo State Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. CST. Fans of the Javelinas can watch on Flosports or follow live coverage at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.
