Lubbock, TX - Texas A&M-Kingsville was not able to keep up with No. 11 Lubbock Christian University as it fell, 62-82, Thursday from Rip Griffin Center.
The Javelinas (11-12, 8-7 LSC) opened up the contest down just one after
Jadon Sautter hit the first three-pointer of the night for the Javelinas to make it a 7-8 ballgame, The Chaparrals (20-4, 11-3 LSC) then opened up a 13-2 run over the next five minutes of game time to take control of the contest and never relinquished it back to the Javelinas.
TJ Ford Jr. led the Javelinas with 18 points off the bench while
Daniel Sanchez finished behind him with nine.
Nate Garcia once again led the Javelinas with five rebounds while
James Livingston led the team with a pair of assists.
In the waning minutes of the contest, the Javelinas were able to close the gap and recapture momentum with a 9-0 run in the final five minutes of the first half. Six of the nine points came on the break or off of turnovers as four different Javelinas scored during that stretch. The final minute of the half saw the Javelinas not cash in on their offensive opportunities and they trailed by 10 heading into the break.
The three-point shot was the Javelinas kryptonite today, as they would allow the Chaps to hit 14-32Â shots from beyond the arc while only converting five three-pointers of their own. Lubbock Christian was especially efficient shooting beyond the arc in the second half, hitting on 7-14 of their three-pointers to pull away from the Javelinas in the half number two.
Lubbock Christian was also able to fend off the calling card for the Javelina defense in the turnover department. The Javelinas only forced five turnovers against the Chaps. While the Javelinas only were credited with eight turnovers of their own, Lubbock Christian beat out the Javelinas in fast break points to drop Texas A&M-Kingsville one-game below .500.
Texas A&M-Kingsville travels to Midwestern State for an all-important LSC matchup against the Mustangs Saturday at 3:00 pm. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the game on FloCollege or follow the action at JavelinaMBB on X.
