Lions Fall to Texas A&M-Kingsville, 65-61

Despite shooting 52.3% from the field, the Texas A&M University-Commerce men's basketball team dropped a 65-61 decision to Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday night in the Lone Star Conference opener for both teams.

Texas A&M-Kingsville (6-3) bounced back after shooting 39.3% in the first half to shoot 55.6% in the second stanza for the win. The visiting Javelinas managed to outscore the Lions by a 17-to-4 on points off turnovers as they forced A&M-Commerce into 16 miscues in the win. The Javelinas got a game-high 16 points from Clyde Johnson and he was joined in double figures by Flavio Milam, who added 14.

Texas A&M-Commerce (4-4) freshman Brad Hambrick scored a team-high 11 points - eight of which came in the first half in the loss; in addition, after a scoreless first half, senior DeUndrae Spraggins had 10 in the final 20 minutes.

After a Spraggins free throw with 7:49 to go put A&M-Commerce up 53-49, the Javelinas went on an 10-6 spurt to take a 63-59 lead with 1:34 to go. Down the stretch, TAMUK would not relinquish the lead en route to the win.

The Lions will be on the road for its next five contests, starting with a game against Midwestern State in Wichita Falls on Wednesday night. Tip off is scheduled for 8 p.m. against the Mustangs, who will enter the contest with a 3-3 overall mark.