Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville kicks the regular season off with two home games against South Dakota Mines and Chadron State at the Steinke Physical Education Center starting on Friday.

The Javelinas are coming off a 67-57 victory in an exhibition match against North American in which they held the Stallions to 32 points under their season average and forced 19 turnovers. Texas A&M-Kingsville offensively converted on seven 3-pointers and had two players score in double figures.

Now, the Javelinas face off against the same opponents they opened the season with last year. This time though, they get South Dakota Mines and Chadron State in Kingsville. 

Last season, the Javelinas split the matchup against Hardrockers and the Eagles respectively. Texas A&M-Kingsville took down South Dakota Mines to open their 2023-24 season in a defensive slugfest, 54-49. They would tune their offense up against Chadron State, but it would not be enough for the Javelinas.

Guard Isaiah Payne will make his return to the lineup for the Javelinas tomorrow after missing time during the 2023-24 season. The graduate student from Ville Platte, Louisiana, should provide a major offensive boost for the Javelinas after averaging 9.7 points per game last season. Payne was also an all-conference honorable mention in the 2022-23 season.

Tip-off for tomorrow's game is set for 7:30 p.m. CST with Saturday's game beginning at 6:00 p.m. CST. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the games on Flosports or follow live cover at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.