Alpine - Texas A&M-Kingsville used a strong defensive performance to take down Sul Ross State, 73-58, Saturday at the Pete P. Gallegos Center.
The Javelinas (9-10, 5-8 Lone Star Conference) held the Lobos (3-15, 2-11 LSC) to just 32.2 percent shooting from the floor and 21.7 percent from three. Texas A&M-Kingsville also forced 15 turnovers and scored 14 points off of those turnovers to take the win in Alpine.
From tip-off, this strong defensive performance was needed from the Javelinas, as neither team could get their offense in rhythm. Texas A&M-Kingsville missed their first seven shots from the floor until
Zyon Little made a mid-range jumper. Another four game minutes would pass before either team scored a point before
Nate Garcia hit a pair of free-throws to bring the Javelinas within two points.
As the first half wore on, the Javelinas were able to punish Sul Ross in the paint, as
Jordan Henderson and Little scored the next six points for the Javelinas.
Daniel Sanchez then followed it up with a put-back layup to give the Javelinas their first lead of the game. The offense would begin to open up as
Jake Arnold,
Nate Lacewell and Little each hit a 3-pointer to give the Javelinas a six point lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, the offensive rhythm carried over from the end of the first half.
Allen Singleton hit a jump shot off a Henderson steal and the Javelinas kept up their complementary basketball. The game swung heavily into Texas A&M-Kingsville's favor after a Sul Ross turnover turned into a put-back layup from Sanchez to balloon the lead to 12.
The Lobos would make the game interesting midway through the second half, dropping the Javelina's lead to just five points. However, a quick six points from Lacewell and Arnold brought the lead back to 11, and the Javelinas rode that lead to the victory.
Little led the Javelinas with 11 points. Henderson, Arnold and Lacewell all finished in double-digits with 10 points each. Sanchez finished with 10 rebounds and Singleton had a team-high four rebounds.
Texas A&M-Kingsville returns home Thursday to face off against St. Edward's for Pack the House night at 7:30 p.m. CST. Fans of the Javelinas can watch live on Flosports or follow live coverage at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.
