Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville Men's Basketball opens up its Lone Star Conference schedule against reigning conference champion Dallas Baptist University Thursday from the Steinke Physical Education Center.

The Javelinas (3-2) are a week removed from passing the 100-point mark against the College of Biblical Studies, and are looking to keep that momentum going against a Patriot (4-4) team that has been hot-and-cold through the early non-conference slate. DBU does have momentum of their own entering this game however with a 99-85 win over Southern Arkansas last week.

Thursday's contest will be a supreme clash of styles between the Javelina offense and the DBU defense. Dallas Baptist currently leads all of Division II in forced turnovers per game with 26.12. Meanwhile, the Javelinas have been exceptional at not giving the ball away, leading DII in fewest turnovers per game with 6.8.

Great guard play and ball control have paved the way for the low turnover number by the Javelinas. Senior guard Allen Singleton currently leads all players in Division II with a 19 assist to turnover ratio. Sophomore guard James Livingston is not too far behind with a 7.5 ratio, good enough for third place. Bryce Smith also sits inside the top ten as well with a 5.33 ratio. In totality, Texas A&M-Kingsville leads the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio with a 2.21 ratio.

Defensively, the Javelinas have been stout at contesting shots from opposing teams, allowing the second lowest field-goal percentage in the conference (38.2 percent). Rim protection has also been much improved this season thanks to the play of David Oriaku, who leads the conference with 2.3 blocks per game. Smith has also played a key role as an on-ball disruptor, averaging 2.5 steals per game for the Javelinas.

Tip-off for Thursday's matchup is set for 7:30 pm. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the contest live on FloCollege or follow the game at JavelinaMBB on X.