Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville could not overcome a hot start from St. Mary's University as they fell, 74-61, Saturday at the Steinke Physical Education Center.
The Javelinas (9-12, 5-10 Lone Star Conference ) fell down 9-0 in the first four minutes and did not score their first basket until there was 15:39 on the clock. The Rattlers (16-4, 13-1 LSC) then opened up a 21-6 lead midway through the first half to propel themselves through the first half.
As the second half wore on however, the Javelinas were able to battle back against the Rattlers. A tip-in layup from
Zyon Little got the Javelinas within 11, and a layup by
Isaiah Payne kept it there, but that would be the closest the Javelinas would get as the Rattlers ballooned the lead back into the teens to keep the Javelinas at bay.
Defensively, the Javelinas did force the Rattlers to only shoot 4/17 from beyond the arc as well as forced 13 turnovers. However St. Mary's was able to score nine more points off turnovers than the Javelinas and won the rebounding battle by seven.
Little led the Javelinas with 12 points, Payne finished in double figures with 11.
Jake Arnold and
Nate Lacewell both finished with team high six rebounds.
Allen Singleton and Little both led the team with three steals each.
Texas A&M-Kingsville hits the road for one last road trip of the season as they head to Oklahoma Christian Thursday Feb. 6. Fans of the Javelinas can watch live on FloCollege or follow live coverage at JavelinaMBB on Twitter.
