Odessa, TX - In an exceptional defensive effort, Texas A&M-Kingsville came away with a 50-47 victory on Thursday over UT-Permian Basin to earn back-to-back conference wins.
The Javelinas (5-3, 2-1 LSC) won consecutive games for the first time all season thanks to a tremendous effort by the defense, who held the Falcons (3-6, 0-3 LSC) 32 points underneath their season average. Texas A&M-Kingsville also forced 22 turnovers, spearheaded by
Bryce Smith's seven steals, the most by a Javelina since 2019-2020.
It was the defense who kept the Javelinas in the game through the early goings, as the ball simply could not get through the hoop for the Hogs who started 1-11. UTPB was able to hit some timely three-pointers through the first six minutes to take an early 11 point advantage before
Daniel Sanchez hit a much-needed three-pointer to bring the deficit back down to single-digits.
A pair of deep three's from Sanchez and
TJ Ford Jr. kept the Javelinas in striking distance, but every time the Hogs would close the distance, UTPB would hit a shot to reestablish their lead.
Jamir Turner's jumper brought it to a five-point hole, but a quick five points from UTPB in the final minute made it an eight-point hole for the Javelinas heading into the break.
The second half began very similarly to the first half, as UTPB kept responding to the Javelinas to eventually build an 11-point lead again.Texas A&M-Kingsville would not be deterred however, as an 11-0 run kicked off by a Marc Eyeman three and wrapped up with a
KC Udolisa layup knotted the game up with 11 minutes to go in the half.
It was a tight ballgame down the final 10 minutes, as each team traded one point leads with each other. The Javelinas eventually broke in the biggest moment of the game, when after a
Jadon Sautter missed three, Udolisa swooped in to grab the offensive rebound before Sautter laid the ball in to give the Javelinas a late four-point lead.
The game was not over however, as the Javelinas still needed to close out the Falcons. Smith got to work finishing off UTPB, scoring four consecutive points to bring it to a six-point lead for the Javelinas. UTPB was able to convert a late three with 45 seconds left, but the Javelinas were able to hold on strong defensively and deny UTPB a comeback attempt.
Bryson Goldsmith finished with a team-high nine points. Ford Jr and Smith both finished with eight while Sautter finished with seven. Udolisa finished with a team-best seven rebounds while Sanchez finished with six points and five rebounds.
Texas A&M-Kingsville heads to San Antonio for the River City Classic tournament on Dec. 15 and 16. Fans of the Javelinas will be abe to follow the game live at JavelinaMBB on X.
