Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville closes out a four-game home stretch against UT-Tyler Saturday afternoon at the Steinke Physical Education Center.

The Javelinas (7-9, 3-7 Lone Star Conference) are coming off a tough outing against No. 16 Dallas Baptist University on Thursday. However, the Javelinas get the chance to end this homestead on a strong note as they take on a Patriots (7-9, 4-6 LSC) team that is coming off a heartbreaking loss at A&M-International on Thursday.

UT-Tyler boasts one of, if not the best, defense in the conference holding opponents to a league-best 65.3 points per game. The Patriots also hold their opponents to the lowest field goal percentage in the conference at 38.8 percent shooting and are second in the conference in blocked shots. Surprisingly though, UT-Tyler is in the bottom half of the conference in steals and is in the red in turnover margin.

Spearheading this defense has been the play of Sam Phipps, who leads the Patriots in rebounds with 6.8 rebounds per game and is the only player on the roster with double digit blocks. Phipps has accounted for 19 blocks thus far this season, 10 higher than the next closest Patriot.

Front court depth will be a key factor in this matchup for the Javelinas, however this has been one of the biggest strengths of the Javelinas this year. Daniel Sanchez and Sam Esan have been big contributors for the Javelinas this year especially with the second unit. Esan has served as a steady defender for opposing big men and Sanchez has provided good shooting and offense for the Javelinas this season.

Tip-off for Saturday's contest is set for 3:00 p.m. CST with the game being streamed on Flosports. Fans of the Javelinas can follow live coverage with live stats or at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.