Rapid City, SD – Texas A&M-Kingsville split its double-header against South Dakota Mines after it fell, 79-66, in game two of the back-to-back games on Saturday.
The Javelinas (1-1) fell into an early hole against the Hardrockers (1-1) after shooting just 30.8 percent from the floor in the first half. South Dakota Mines meanwhile hit six three-pointers in that period to give themselves a 12-point lead entering halftime that they would never surrender.
The bench for the Hogs did provide a nice spark, scoring 24 points in the first half. However, South Dakota Mines was able to match that number for the Javelinas with 30 points off the bench while also turning the ball over in the first half at a much lower clip compared to the first game of the double-header.
Half number two gave the Javelinas opportunities to potentially take the lead,
Bryce Smith would hit a three-pointer to cut the lead for the Hardrockers back down to single digits with 11:07 left in the half. He followed that up with a quick layup courtesy of a
Bryson Goldsmith assist to cut the lead down to seven.
South Dakota Mines would open its lead back up to double digits as the second half wore on, however the Javelinas received some life that's to a Goldsmith three-pointer that brought the lead back down to just seven points. The Javelinas were not able to cash in on their ensuing offensive possessions as South Dakota Mines reopened their lead for good in Rapid City.
Smith led all scorers with 18 points While
Jadon Sautter chipped in nine off the bench. Goldsmith led the team in rebounds with six while
Allen Singleton led the Javelinas in assists with five. Smith also had three steals on the day.
Texas A&M-Kingsville returns home to face MSU-Denver at the Steinke Physical Education Center Nov. 20 at 6:30 pm. Fans of the Javelinas can watch live on FloCollege or follow the game at JavelinaMBB on X.
