Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville could not complete the second half comeback against Southeastern Oklahoma State as it fell, 69-78, Saturday at the Steinke Physical Education Center.
The Javelinas (2-2) found themselves in a 12-point hole after the first half thanks to eight made three-pointers by the Savage Storm (1-3). Texas A&M-Kingsville was able to get the game within just two points in the second half after a
Jamir Turner jumper cut it to a 59-61 deficit for the Hogs. They were not able to keep that momentum going however, as the Storm closed out the game from there.
During the first half, the Hogs and the Storm found themselves knotted up in a 19-19 tie with 8:13 left in the first half. SEOSU then opened up a 17-4 run with five-straight made three-pointers to blow the first half wide open. A
Bryson Goldsmith made jumper spelled the break, but did not capture any momentum back for the Javelinas headed into the break.
Half number two saw the defensive intensity rise up for the Hogs to try and claw their way back into the game. Texas A&M-Kingsville forced nine turnovers while never giving the ball away in the half to spark a 12-0 run capped off with a
TJ Ford Jr. three-pointer to cut it to a five-point game with 10:01 remaining in the game.
Recognizing that this was their opportunity to get themselves back into the game, the Javelinas battled their way to bring it to a one-possession game after Turner jumper made it 59-61.
Bryce Smith maintained that deficit with a pair of free-throws, but a quick five points from SEOSU was enough to create an insurmountable lead that put the nails in the coffin for the Javelinas.
Smith led the way with 13 points while Goldsmith finished with 11 and a team-high four steals.
Nate Garcia had a nice game off the bench with six points and a team-high six rebounds.
Allen Singleton and
James Livingston both finished with a team-best three assists.
Texas A&M-Kingsville are back home on Nov. 25 to take on the College of Biblical Studies at 5:00 pm. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the game on FloCollege or follow the game at JavelinaMBB X.
