Tyler, TX - Texas A&M-Kingsville was outlasted in a defensive battle by UT-Tyler, 55-59 Thursday from the Louise Herrington Patriot Center.
The Javelinas (13-14, 10-9 LSC) shot just 33.8 percent from the floor and committed 12 turnovers as they dropped their penultimate regular season game to the Patriots (14-11, 8-11 LSC) who closed the contest on a 10-4 run to down the Javelinas.
Thursday's loss all but assuredly slots the Javelians into the No. 8 seed at the Lone Star Conference tournament, as the Javelinas would have needed to win out in order to move up the rankings.
Neither team was able to get their offense into any kind of rhythm in this contest, as both the Javelinas and the Patriots shot under 40 percent from the floor. UT-Tyler did shoot slightly better from deep than the Javelinas, converting on six shot attempts from beyond the arc which would make all the difference in this contest.
The Javelinas clung to a two point lead with 5:05 remaining in the contest after
Allen Singleton's driving layup. The Patriots would then keep the Javelinas off the scoreboard for about two minutes of game time before a
James Livingston layup tied the game at 53 apiece. UT-Tyler then made a pair of layups, one of them came on a Patriot offensive rebound, that got the game to a two-possession contest.
Singleton made the game interesting in the waning minutes with a driving layup after UT-Tyler made a pair of free throws, however the Javelinas were in dire straights with under 30 second left. The Patriots were able to salt the game away with a pair of made free throws as the Javelinas dropped their contest in Tyler.
Bryce Smith had an excellent game for the Javelinas leading the team with 13 points, notching six rebounds and a team-high four assists.
Nate Garcia finished in double-figures with 10 points and a team-best seven rebounds as well. Singleton was incredible at disrupting the Patriot offense in the game, notching four steals.
Texas A&M-Kingsville wraps up the regular season against Dallas Baptist University on Saturday, with tip-off scheduled for 3:00 pm. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the game on FloCollege or follow the action at JavelinaMBB on X.
