Odessa - Texas A&M-Kingsville never trailed after a great start to the game as it took down UT-Permian Basin, 70-66, at the Falcon Dome on Saturday.
The Javelinas (5-4, 1-2 LSC) outscored the Falcons (5-2, 2-1 LSC) 18-8 in the first ten minutes of the game and never looked back from that point on. UTPB would get it within three points with three minutes to go in the game, but the Javelinas snuffed out the comeback attempt to earn their first conference win of the year.
Isaiah Payne erupted for a team-high 24 points,
Zyon Little matched a career high with another 20 points game on the season.
Nate Lacewell notched a team-best seven rebounds while
Jordan Henderson led the way with three assists.
From tip-off, Texas A&M-Kingsville did not allow the Falcons to get settled from beyond the arc. UTPB missed their first seven shots from deep and did not make a 3-pointer until there was just 3:35 left in the first half. The Javelinas also won the battle on the board against UTPB in the first half, out-rebounds the Falcons by two thanks in large part to the
Brian Gordons two rebounds.
Despite the great start by Texas A&M-Kingsville, the Falcons clawed their way back into the game after falling behind by 15. A late jumper by UTPB brought the Javelinas' lead to just four points entering halftime.
The second half got off to an excellent start for the Javelinas, as
Bryson Goldsmith opened up the half with an and-one layup to get the offense rolling. From there, both teams would trade blows with each other until Payne hit a deep 3-pointer to push the Javelinas lead to six.Â
An
Allen Singleton layup later in the half extended the Javelinas' lead to 11 points, the Falcons would not go quietly however. They began to claw themselves back into the, and after a late layup, only found themselves down by three. However, the Javelinas would not be denied, as a
Zyon Little jumper and late free throws from Payne all but sealed the win for the Javelinas.
Texas A&M-Kingsville returns home to the Steinke Physical Education Center Sunday Dec. 15 at 3:00 p.m. CST to take on West Texas A&M. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the game on Flosports or follow live coverage at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.
