Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville crushed Metropolitan State University-Denver, 75-40, to kick off a five-game homestead Thursday from the Steinke Physical Education Center.

The Javelinas (2-1) erupted for a 54-point first half thanks to five made three-pointers to go with 21 total made field goals. The defense also dominated the Roadrunners (1-2) during the first half, forcing 10 turnovers and converted that into 23 points. 

Thursday's contest kicked off with both teams jockeying for control of the game, as after five minutes the Javelinas only found themselves with a two-point lead. Texas A&M-Kingsville then went on an 8-0 run led by TJ Ford to bolster that lead into double figures. The Javelinas never relinquished that double-digit lead, but the game got really out of hand after an alley-oop from Ford Jr. to David Oriaku that erupted the crowd. Jamir Turner followed that up with a slam of his own as the Javelinas took a 26-point lead into the half.

The halftime break did not cause a momentum drop for the Javelinas, who opened up a whopping 30-point lead through six minutes in the second half after a James Livingston layup. Jadon Sautter nearly got it up for 40 points after a three-pointer with just over eight minutes left, but the Javelinas called off the dogs after Bryce Smith found Oriaku for his third alley-oop of the day with five minutes left that was the explanation point on the game.

Oriaku led the Javelinas with 15 points and seven rebounds while adding three blocks and two steals.Sautter added 13 points along with Ford Jr.'s 13 while Livingston added 12 off the bench. Livingston also led the team with six assists and three steals.

Texas A&M-Kingsville stays at home to face off against South Eastern Oklahoma State Saturday at 2:00 pm. Fans of the Javelinas can watch live on FloCollege or follow the game at JavelinaMBB on X. Read Full Article