Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville shut down No. 2 ranked West Texas A&M, 65-60, Sunday at the Steinke Physical Education Center.
The Javelinas' (6-4, 2-2 Lone Star Conference) silenced the best offense in the LSC, holding the Buffaloes (8-1, 3-1 LSC) to 30 points less than their season average. This win also marks the highest ranked opponent that the Javelinas have defeated, with the next highest victory coming against No. 6 West Texas A&M back in the 2019 season.
Isaiah Payne led the way for the Javelinas, finishing with a team-high 25 points, three assists and four steals.
Zyon Little,
Jordan Henderson and
Nate Lacewell all contributed with nine points as well.
From tip-off, the Javelinas played with a high level of energy and intensity in their return home. Opening up the game with a 13-4 run, Texas A&M-Kingsville consistently attacked the heart of the Buffalo defense and scored at will in the paint. West Texas A&M would not go quietly however, as a mid-range jumper cut the Javelinas lead to just six. Two combined field goals by Payne and
David Oriaku staved off the Buffaloes and gave the Javelinas a seven-point lead entering the locker room.
The second half strategy from the Javelinas would not change much, continuing to attack the West Texas defense. Payne got the scoring started with a sweet layup, and back-to-back steals by
Allen Singleton and Payne soon gave the Javelinas a 10-point lead.
With about ten minutes left in the second half, a Henderson layup and another Payne mid-range jump shot gave the Javelinas a comfortable 15-point lead with just over four minutes to go. The Buffaloes, with their backs against the wall, began to cause fits for the Javelinas offense and eventually brought the game to just a four point lead for Texas A&M-Kingsville. However,
Daniel Sanchez found Lacewell wide open past the defense on an inbounds play to put the Javelinas back up by six and seal the win for the Javelinas.
Texas A&M-Kingsville returns to the SPEC for the final game of 2024 against Eastern New Mexico University Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. CST with the game being streamed on Flosports. Fans of the Javelinas can follow live coverage through live stats or at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.
