Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville travels to northwest Texas for the start of the home stretch in Lone Star Conference play to take on No. 11 Lubbock Christian University Thursday at the Rip Griffin Center, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m.
The Javelinas (11-11, 8-6 LSC) are currently in a tightly contested race for the final three spots for the conference tournament and currently hold the No. 7 spot in the field. The Hogs are in a tie for the No. 6 spot with St. Mary's and hold a half-game lead over West Texas A&M, who holds the final spot in the tournament.
The Javelinas enter the contest with renewed confidence after escaping with a hard-fought 67-65 victory over St. Mary's on Saturday. David Oriaku's game-saving block in the final seconds highlighted TAMUK's defensive intensity when it mattered most, giving the team crucial momentum heading into one of their toughest road tests of the season.
Lubbock Christian (20-4, 11-3 LSC) presents the toughest test on the Javelinas' schedule. The No. 11-ranked Chaparrals sit in third place and boast an impressive 7-1 home record. Coming off a 75-80 loss to DBU, LCU will be looking to bounce back on its home floor.
The Chaparrals are led by one of the most complete players in Division II. Amondo Miller Jr. paces LCU with 19.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Kendall Dow provides 15.2 points per game, while Antonio Pusateri adds 16.6 points and a team-leading 11.0 rebounds.
What makes Lubbock Christian dangerous is their offensive firepower. The Chaparrals score 80.3 points per game while shooting 50.3% from the field, both elite marks among the nation's best. LCU's ability to share the basketball (16.2 assists per game) creates open looks and high-percentage scoring opportunities, putting constant pressure on opposing defenses.
For the Javelinas, Thursday's matchup represents an opportunity to make a statement. A road victory over a ranked opponent would boost TAMUK's tournament resume and provide crucial momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Tip-off for Thursday's contest is set for 7:30 p.m. CST at the Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock. Fans can watch the game on FloCollege or follow live updates at @JavelinaMBB on X.
