Kingsville - Texas A&M-Kingsville take on West Texas A&M needing just one win to clinch a spot in the Lone Star Conference tournament Thursday at 7:30 pm from the Steinke Physical Education Center.

After last week's come-from-behind victory over Midwestern State, the Javelinas (12-12, 9-7 LSC) have put themselves in a prime position to return to the LSC conference tournament for the first time since the 2022-2023 season. They currently sit three games up on the three closest teams trailing them in the conference standings with a single win putting too much distance between the Javelinas and he field. Standing in their way is a Buffalo (17-9, 9-7 LSC) team that is breaking out of a mid-season slump, winning three of four after dropping five straight contests.

Last year's matchup between the Javelinas and Buffaloes was an all-time upset for the Hogs, as Texas A&M-Kingsville took down then-ranked No. 2 West Texas A&M 65-60 in Kingsville. That win in Kingsville was the first time the Javelinas beat the Buffaloes in seven tries, now they will look to build a winning streak of their own in the SPEC.

The Javelinas' defense will need to play some of their best ball on Thursday as they have to contend with the number number one scoring offense in the conference from West Texas A&M. The Buffaloes are averaging just over 85 points per game while also leading the conference in made three-point baskets with 272. West Texas A&M also has one of the most prolific scorers in the conference in Fontaine Williams, who is averaging 20.2 points per game. 

Meanwhile, the Javelinas have been led all season by juinior point guard Bryce Smith. The floor general for the Hogs has been a do-it-all guard this season, averaging six points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists to go with a pair of steals per game. Smith is one of three players in the Lone Star Conference to be ranked in the top ten in steals per game and assists per game this season and was very close to notching a triple-double against Midwestern State last week.

The Javelinas have also received tremendous production off the bench from freshman Jadon Sautter. The only true freshman on the roster, Sautter has been an instant impact player for the Javelinas, scoring 7.8 points per game while averaging 2.8 rebounds pre game as well. Sautter has produced seven games of 10-or-more points, four of which has come over the last five games, while also notching a pair of games with three steals.