Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville suffocated South Dakota Mines University to win their season opener Friday at the Steinke Physical Education Center.

The Javelinas (1-0) held the Hardrockers (0-1) to the fewest points any Javelina team has given up since the 1947 season, only giving up 31 points. Surrendering just 10 points in the second half, the Javelinas shut down any offense that the Hardrockers were looking for. 

"We pride ourselves in defense," said Guard Allen Singleton. "Coming into practice, working on defense first more than anything. We can see shots fall but as long as we end up with more than the opponents, we'll take it."

The defensive intensity was apparent from tip-off, as the Javelinas swarmed to the Hardrockers and forced early contested jump shots. South Dakota Mines would connect on two early 3-pointers, but the Javelinas kept driving in the paint and finding easy buckets. Eventually, the Javelinas would buckle down at the end of the first half and take a four-point lead into halftime.

The second half would see the Javelinas lockdown any offense that the Hardrockers tried. An early steal by Sam Esan would lead to a James Livingston 3-pointer, and the game would be blown wide open from there. The Javelinas would go on a 18-1 run and South Dakota Mines would not score their first field goal until there was 9:23 left in the second half. The lead would balloon to a 23-point lead, and the Javelinas closed out the Hardrockers in dominant fashion.

Isaiah Payne led the Javelinas with 11 points, Daniel Sanchez added nine points and Allen Singleton scored seven. Bryson Goldsmith led the team with six rebounds and six Javelinas finished with at least one assist. 

Texas A&M-Kingsville takes on Chadron State Saturday at 6:00 p.m. CST at the Steinke Physical Education Center. Fans can watch the Javelinas on Flosports or follow live coverage at JavelinaMBB on Twitter Read Full Article