SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville men's basketball team exploded out of the gate against the St. Mary's Rattlers, but they could not keep up the momentum down the stretch, dropping a conference contest to StMU, 81-89.
The Javelinas (5-15, LSC 3-12) drop their third game in a row. The Rattlers (9-11, LSC 5-9) snap a three-game losing streak.
The Hogs were red-hot to open the game, shooting perfect from both the field and the free throw line through the first nearly seven minutes of the game, opening up a 23-9 lead early. The Rattlers battled back, however, steadily chipping away and even taking a two-point lead of their own into halftime on a last second three-pointer.
Coming out of the break, the Javelinas started to heat up once more, instantly regaining the lead and opening it back up to six points. However, the Hogs could not regain the lights-out form they opened the game with as StMU kept the game at no more than a two-possession gap.
Both teams traded baskets and the lead down the stretch before the Rattlers took a one-point lead at 2:00 left in the game. A cold streak for both teams followed before StMU capitalized on a three-point foul to extend the lead to four, and the Hogs could not catch back up.
C.J. Smith and
Jason Clark teamed up to spearhead the Javelina offense with both putting up 20+ point performances.
Smith led the squad with 24 points on 50% shooting from the field, including going 4-of-7 from deep. He also led the squad in assists with four, while also pulling down four rebounds and a steal.
Clark was an outstanding 9-of-13 from the field with 21 points while adding on six rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Kendrick Washington led the Javelinas in rebounding with seven total boards. He also tacked on an impressive three assists, a steal, and 10 points.
Marcus Jones-Green had himself a day as well, totaling up 16 points going 3-of-5 from deep alongside three rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Javelinas are back at home for a four-game home stand. First, the Hogs welcome Oklahoma Christian to the SPEC on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7:30. Afterwards, they take on UA Fort Smith on Saturday, Feb. 10 with tipoff scheduled for 3 p.m.
