2011-12 A&M-COMMERCE MEN'S BASKETBALL NEWS

July 26, 2012
MOMENT #3: HAMBRICK CEMENTS HIS LEGACY AMONG LION ALL-TIME GREATS
Our number three moment of the 2011-12 A&M-Commerce athletic season seems miniscule compared to a pair of other numbers relating to it – 1,000 and 200. But both of those represent amazing career achievements by men’s basketball’s Brad Hambrick, who solidified his status among the Lion all-time greats.

June 28, 2012
MOMENT #11: MAGICAL FINAL WEEK PROPELS LIONS INTO LSC TOURNAMENT
Our list of the top-15 moments of the 2011-12 A&M-Commerce athletic season includes a handful of memorable games and performances, but no other selection gripped the attention of Lion fans for an entire week as did Moment #11.

April 6, 2012
A&M-COMMERCE 2011-12 MEN'S BASKETBALL SEASON RECAP
A&M-Commerce closed out the 2011-12 season with an overall record of 10-17, including a 5-13 mark in the Lone Star Conference. The Lions finished eighth in the LSC, advancing to their seventh-straight conference tournament and led top-seeded Midwestern State by seven at halftime of the quarterfinals before falling to the Mustangs at the Allen Event Center.

February 29, 2012
UPSET BID COMES UP SHORT AS LIONS FALL IN QUARTERFINALS 64-52
For the first half of its Lone Star Conference quarterfinal, A&M-Commerce had fifth-ranked Midwestern State right where they wanted them, facing a seven-point deficit at the half. But hot shooting by the Mustangs in the second half proved to be too much as the Lions’ upset bid comes up short with a 64-52 defeat at the Allen Event Center.

February 28, 2012
TRIO OF LIONS EARN LONE STAR CONFERENCE POSTSEASON ACCOLADES
A&M-Commerce seniors Brad Hambrick and Desmond King and junior Andrew Davis received Lone Star Conference postseason accolades, announced by league officials at the Lone Star Conference Championships banquet in Allen. Davis highlights the Lion accolades, being named Academic Player of the Year, with Hambrick and King both earning All-Conference honors.

February 28, 2012
LIONS FACE MUSTANGS IN LONE STAR CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
A&M-Commerce extends its 2011-12 season as the Lions head to Allen for the 2012 Lone Star Conference Championships. The eighth-seeded Lions will face top-seeded Midwestern State in the quarterfinals, tipping at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Special Events Center. Tickets for the event are $15 for adults and $10 for students and fans wishing to watch the Lions Wednesday evening need to purchase tickets for Session Two.

February 27, 2012
DEVONDRICK WALKER NABS CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS
Sophomore forward Devondrick Walker has been named the Lone Star Conference's Co-Offensive Player of the Week, announced today by the league office. It is the first weekly honor of Walker's career as he shares the award with Tarelton State's Fabian Wilson.

February 25, 2012
LIONS HOLD OFF RAMS, 83-78, TO CLINCH EIGHT SEED IN LSC TOURNAMENT
In a game already buzzing with playoff excitement, A&M-Commerce roared out to a huge lead on Angelo State, then had to fight off a late Ram charge before prevailing 83-78 on Senior Night at the Field House. A&M-Commerce secures the eighth and final seed in the 2012 Lone Star Conference Championship next week at the Allen Events Center with the win.

February 24, 2012
KING, DAVIS HONORED AS CAPITAL ONE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
Texas A&M University-Commerce senior Desmond King and junior forward Andrew Davis are among the 15 players named Capital One Division II Academic All-Americans for men's basketball, announced by the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America. King was named a first team Academic All-American, with Davis picking up third-team honors.

February 22, 2012
POSTSEASON HOPES REMAIN ALIVE FOLLOWING 75-72 WIN AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN
Thanks to a late 12-0 run and a nailbiting finish, A&M-Commerce’s postseason hopes remain alive after the Lions rally to upend Abilene Christian 75-72 at Moody Coliseum. The Lions win their second-consecutive Lone Star Conference road game and improve to 9-16 on the year with a 4-13 mark in Lone Star Conference play, moving into a three-way tie for eighth-place with the Wildcats and Angelo State.

February 21, 2012
LIONS BATTLE FOR POSTSEASON BERTH AGAINST WILDCATS, RAMS
The 2011-12 regular season heads into its final week with A&M-Commerce fighting for its postseason life. The Lions take direct aim on the two teams ahead of them in the Lone Star Conference standings, beginning with a 7:30 p.m. showdown with Abilene Christian on Wednesday at 7:30 at Moody Coliseum. A&M-Commerce then returns to the Field House for the final home game of the season, facing Angelo State Saturday at 8 p.m.

February 18, 2012
LIONS RALLY TO TAKE DOWN GREYHOUNDS IN OVERTIME, 67-62
Trailing by four with less than a minute to play, A&M-Commerce rallied back to force overtime at Greyhound Arena, then wore down the host Greyhounds in the extra stanza to claim a much-needed 67-62 victory. The Lions snap a four-game losing skid while keeping their Lone Star Conference Championship postseason hopes alive in the process.

February 15, 2012
EARLY DEFICIT TOO MUCH TO OVERCOME AS LIONS FALL TO BUFFS, 70-60
A&M-Commerce’s postseason chances took another hit Wednesday evening as an early 16-0 run by West Texas A&M gave the Buffs a lead they would never relinquish as the Lions drop their fourth-straight game 70-60 at the Field House.

February 14, 2012
CRUCIAL WEEK AHEAD FOR A&M-COMMERCE FACING BUFFS, GREYHOUNDS
A&M-Commerce faces a crucial week as the 2011-12 season nears the finish line. The Lions, who begin the week one game out of eighth-place in the Lone Star Conference standings, host third-place West Texas A&M at the Field House Wednesday at 8 p.m. A&M-Commerce then makes the daunting trip west, facing sixth-place Eastern New Mexico on Saturday, February 18, tipping at 5 p.m.

February 6, 2012
A&M-COMMERCE SUFFERS MAJOR SETBACK IN 76-65 LOSS TO A&M-KINGSVILLE
A&M-Commerce struggled to find its groove all night as it fell behind early to Texas A&M-Kingsville and never recovered, dropping its third-straight game 76-65 at the Field House. The Lions dropped to 7-15 on the year and 2-12 in Lone Star Conference play.

February 4, 2012
LIONS FALL TO JAVELINAS, 104-94, IN TRIPLE OVERTIME THRILLER
When the dust settled after 40 minutes of play, nothing had been decided between A&M-Commerce and A&M-Kingsville at Hampton Inn Court. Neither had it after 45 minutes of play. Or 50 minutes of play. But the Lions, who had battled back a handful of times on the afternoon ran out of gas at the end, dropping a 104-94 triple overtime thriller to the Javelinas.

February 2, 2012
KING, DAVIS NAMED TO CAPITAL ONE ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT VI FIRST TEAM
Texas A&M University-Commerce senior forward Desmond King and junior forward Andrew Davis have both been named to the Capital One Academic All-District VI first team for men's basketball, announced today by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). A&M-Commerce was the only school to have two players on the team and the only school from the Lone Star Conference to be represented.

February 1, 2012
A&M-COMMERCE DROPS 89-85 HEARTBREAKER TO INCARNATE WORD
Despite four players scoring in double figures, including 22 from Brad Hambrick and a career-best 19 from Devondrick Walker, a late second half run by Incarnate Word turned the tide as the Cardinals drop the Lions in an 89-85 heartbreaker at the Field House. The Lions fall to 7-13 overall on the season and 2-10 in Lone Star Conference play.

January 31, 2012
INCARNATE WORD, A&M-KINGSVILLE ON THE HORIZON FOR A&M-COMMERCE
A&M-Commerce looks to build on its winning streak with three games against the southern duo of the Lone Star Conference. The Lions host Incarnate Word at the Field House Wednesday, February 1, tipping at 8 p.m. A&M-Commerce then faces A&M-Kingsville in a home-and-home series, beginning Saturday, February 4 at 3 p.m. in Kingsville before welcoming the Javelinas to the Field House for an 8 p.m. tip on Monday, February 6.

January 28, 2012
SOLID EFFORT LEADS A&M-COMMERCE TO 76-69 VICTORY OVER CAMERON
Three Lions scored in double figures, led by 20 points from Brad Hambrick and a career-high 17 from Devondrick Walker, as A&M-Commerce pulled away in the second half to topple third-place Cameron 76-69 at the Field House. The Lions end a five-game skid, improving to 7-12 on the year and 2-9 in Lone Star Conference play.

January 25, 2012
SLOW START DOOMS LIONS IN 69-50 LOSS TO 10TH-RANKED MUSTANGS
Another sluggish start put A&M-Commerce in a huge hole early and the Lions were never able to recover against 10th-ranked Midwestern State, falling to the Mustangs 69-50 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

January 24, 2012
LIONS LOOK TO END SKID AT MIDWESTERN STATE, HOSTING CAMERON
A&M-Commerce commences on the second half of its 2011-12 Lone Star Conference schedule, continuing its grueling two-week stretch against the conference leaders. The Lions head to Wichita Falls for a Wednesday showdown against nationally-ranked Midwestern State at 8 p.m. A&M-Commerce then welcomes third-place Cameron to the Field House for an 8 p.m. tip on Saturday, January 28.

January 21, 2012
A&M-COMMERCE'S SKID HITS FOUR IN 78-53 LOSS AT TARLETON STATE
Three nights after pushing fifth-ranked Tarleton State to the edge at the Field House, little went right for A&M-Commerce in Stephenville as the Texans dominated the Lions from the opening whistle en route to a 78-53 rout at Wisdom Gym. A&M-Commerce drops its fourth-straight game, falling to 6-11 on the year and 1-8 in Lone Star Conference play.

January 18, 2012
UPSET BID AGAINST FIFTH-RANKED TEXANS COMES UP SHORT, 73-69
In front of its largest crowd of the season, A&M-Commerce had upset on its mind, hosting fifth-ranked and Lone Star Conference-leading Tarleton State at the Field House. But a late run following a sluggish second half came up just short as the Lions fall to the Texans 73-69.

January 17, 2012
LIONS PREPARING FOR HOME-AND-HOME SERIES WITH TARLETON STATE
A&M-Commerce faces a stiff challenge this week, embarking on a home-and-home series with Lone Star Conference-leading Tarleton State. The Lions and Texans square off at the Field House on Wednesday, January 18, beginning at 8 p.m. The series then shifts to Wisdon Gym in Stephenville for a 7 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, January 21.

January 14, 2012
EXTENDED RUN DOES IN A&M-COMMERCE AT ANGELO STATE, 87-67
For the second-straight game, A&M-Commerce serves as the first Lone Star Conference victory for its opponent. A 41-9 Angelo State run, spanning over 15 minutes, did in the Lions as A&M-Commerce falls 87-67 at the Junell Center Saturday night. The Lions have now dropped back-to-back Lone Star Conference games, sitting at 1-6 in LSC play and fighting to remain among the top-eight.

January 11, 2012
LIONS RALLY TO FORCE OVERTIME BUT FALL TO ABILENE CHRISTIAN, 92-79
Senior forward Desmond King notched a career-high 34 points as A&M-Commerce rallied from a late deficit to take Abilene Christian to overtime, but the Wildcats dominated the extra stanza, handing the Lions a 92-79 defeat at the Field House.

January 10, 2012
LIONS CONTINUE CONFERENCE PLAY FACING ABILENE CHRISTIAN, ANGELO STATE
A&M-Commerce looks to build on its first conference victory with a pair of Lone Star Conference games this week. The Lions host Abilene Christian Wednesday, January 11 at the Field House, tipping at 8 p.m. The Lions then head to San Angelo for a meeting with Angelo State on Saturday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m.

January 7, 2012
LIONS HOLD OFF GREYHOUNDS, 88-77, FOR FIRST CONFERENCE VICTORY
Paced by 21 points from both Desmond King and Preston Whitley, A&M-Commerce used a late 12-4 run in the waning minutes of the game to pull away from Eastern New Mexico 88-77 at the Field House to notch its first Lone Star Conference victory of the season.

January 4, 2012
HAMBRICK'S 25 POINTS NOT ENOUGH AS LIONS FALL TO BUFFALOES, 77-72
Brad Hambrick tied a career-high with 25 points and the Lions pounced out to an early first half lead, but a second half rally from West Texas A&M proved to be the difference as the Buffaloes hand the Lions a 77-72 setback at the First United Bank Center. A&M-Commerce falls to 5-7 overall and 0-4 in Lone Star Conference play, snapping its three-game winning streak.

January 3, 2012
LIONS RESUME CONFERENCE PLAY AGAINST BUFFALOES, GREYHOUNDS
A&M-Commerce returns to action after a two-week break, entering the bulk of its Lone Star Conference schedule. The Lions head to Canyon, Texas, for a showdown with West Texas A&M Wednesday, January 4 at 8 p.m. A&M-Commerce then returns to the Field House, hosting Eastern New Mexico on Saturday, January 7 at 8 p.m.

December 20, 2011
KING NAMED LONE STAR CONFERENCE OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
A&M-Commerce senior forward Desmond King has been named the Lone Star Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week, announced today by league officials. The weekly honor is the third of King’s career and his first of the season, having picked up both an Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honor in 2010-11.

December 19, 2011
KING'S CAREER DAY LEADS LIONS TO 85-81 VICTORY OVER REDDIES
Desmond King was named the St. Edward's Classic's Most Valuable Player with LaBree Sledge also picking up All-Tournament honors.

December 18, 2011
BALANCED ATTACK LEADS A&M-COMMERCE TO 82-67 VICTORY OVER HARDING
A&M-Commerce used a balanced offensive attack, with five different Lions scoring in double figures, as the Lions pulled away in the second half to notch an 82-67 victory over Harding at Alumni Gym at St. Edward’s University.

December 16, 2011
A&M-COMMERCE HEADS TO STATE CAPITAL FOR 2011 ST. EDWARD'S CLASSIC
A&M-Commerce heads down to our state capital, competing in the 2011 St. Edward’s Classic. The Lions open up the two-day Classic facing Harding at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 18, then face Henderson State at 2 p.m. Monday, December 19 at Alumni Gym on the campus of St. Edward’s University.

December 13, 2011
SLEDGE'S LAST-SECOND LAY-UP LIFTS LIONS PAST MULERIDERS, 76-74
LaBree Sledge capped a furious A&M-Commerce comeback, hitting a layup with the final seconds ticking off the clock as the Lions rally to defeat Southern Arkansas 76-74 at the Field House. The victory snaps a four-game skid for A&M-Commerce, who improve to 3-6 on the year and win their eighth-straight over the Muleriders.

December 12, 2011
LIONS HOST SOUTHERN ARKANSAS TUESDAY AT THE FIELD HOUSE
A&M-Commerce closes out its short two-game homestand Tuesday, December 13, hosting Southern Arkansas at the Field House at 7 p.m. The game against the Muleriders marks the final home game for the Lions in the 2011 calendar year.

December 10, 2011
LIONS CAN'T HOLD FIRST HALF LEAD, DROP 79-73 DECISION AGAINST DRURY
The first time A&M-Commerce and Drury met this season in Springfield, Mo., the Lions build a double-digit first half lead, only to see the Panthers come roaring back in the second half to claim the victory. Saturday was a case of deja vu for both teams as A&M-Commerce held a commanding 18-point advantage in the first half, only to fall to Drury 79-73.

December 7, 2011
COLD SHOOTING DOOMS A&M-COMMERCE IN 85-61 DEFEAT AT INCARNATE WORD
In a story that has become far too familiar this season, A&M-Commerce dug itself an early hole against Incarnate Word and was unable to recover, falling to the Cardinals 85-61 at the McDermott Center. The loss is the third-straight for A&M-Commerce, which falls to 2-5 on the year and 0-3 in Lone Star Conference play.

December 6, 2011
LIONS LOOK TO END SKID AT INCARNATE WORD, HOSTING DRURY
A&M-Commerce looks to end its skid on the road, traveling to San Antonio for a Lone Star Conference showdown at Incarnate Word Wednesday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. The Lions then return to Commerce for a rematch with Drury on Saturday, December 10, with the opening tip set for 3 p.m at the Field House.

December 3, 2011
A&M-COMMERCE STRUGGLES AT CAMERON, FALLS TO AGGIES 81-58
A late run by Cameron in the first half put A&M-Commerce behind by double-digits and the Lions could never recover, dropping an 81-58 decision against the Aggies Saturday evening. It was the Lions' largest margin of defeat this season as A&M-Commerce drops its second-straight Lone Star Conference decision, falling to 2-4 on the year and 0-2 in conference play.

November 30, 2011
A&M-COMMERCE DROPS HOME OPENER, 65-53, TO MIDWESTERN STATE
Another slow start and an extended Midwestern State run in the second half proved to be too much for A&M-Commerce to overcome as the Lions drop its home and Lone Star Conference opener to the Mustangs 65-53 at the Field House.

November 29, 2011
A&M-COMMERCE OPENS LSC PLAY AGAINST MIDWESTERN STATE, CAMERON
A&M-Commerce finally takes to the court at the Field House this Wednesday, opening up both its 2011-12 home and Lone Star Conference schedule. The Lions play host to Midwestern State in a rematch of last year’s 2011 LSC Championship quarterfinal game, tipping off at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. A&M-Commerce then heads to Lawton, Okla., facing Cameron at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

November 26, 2011
HAMBRICK, KING LEAD LIONS TO 78-77 VICTORY OVER ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH
Trailing by four with less than a minute to play, senior Desmond King hit a jumper to cut the gap to two, followed by the eventual game-winning three-pointer by senior Brad Hambrick with 29 seconds remaining as A&M-Commerce rallies past Arkansas-Fort Smith 78-77 in the final game of the Patriot Thanksgiving Classic at the Burg Center.

November 25, 2011
LIONS HEAD TO DALLAS BAPTIST FOR 2011 PATRIOT THANKSGIVING CLASSIC
After a short hiatus for Thanksgiving, A&M-Commerce makes the short trip to Dallas for the 2011 Patriot Thanksgiving Classic at the Burg Center on the campus of Dallas Baptist University. The Lions face the host Patriots on Friday, Nov. 25, beginning at 7 p.m. A&M-Commerce then takes on Arkansas-Fort Smith at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.

November 25, 2011
LIONS CAN'T OVERCOME SLUGGISH START, FALL TO PATRIOTS 71-61
A&M-Commerce had a sluggish start against Dallas Baptist, digging itself an early hole it couldn't overcome, falling to Dallas Baptist 71-61 at the Burg Center. The Lions drop to 1-2 on the season and drop its opener of the Patriot Thanksgiving Classic.

November 19, 2011
KING'S DOUBLE-DOUBLE NOT ENOUGH AS LIONS FALL TO PANTHERS, 87-74
Desmond King was the leading scorer for the Lions dropping a total of 23 points on the panthers, and snagging a total of 11 rebounds. The Lions now fall to 1-1 after this loss to Drury University. The Will be continuing their road trip to Dallas Baptist on Nov. 25th at 7:00 PM.

November 17, 2011
LIONS HOLD OFF MULERIDERS FOR 60-57 SEASON-OPENING VICTORY
A&M-Commerce built a comfortable second half lead, then held off a late Southern Arkansas rally to defeat the Muleriders 60-57 in the 2011 season opener at the Watson Athletic Center.

November 15, 2011
A&M-COMMERCE OPENS 2011-12 CAMPAIGN AT SOUTHERN ARKANSAS, DRURY
Texas A&M University-Commerce tips off the 2011-12 basketball season this week with a pair of games, beginning Thursday, Nov. 17 at Southern Arkansas. The Lions then head north to Springfield, Mo., for a showdown with Drury on Saturday, Nov. 19.

November 4, 2011
A&M-COMMERCE HOLDS ITS OWN IN EXHIBITION CONTEST AT ARKANSAS
A&M-Commerce put together a solid showing at Southeastern Conference foe Arkansas, giving the Razorbacks a tough challenge in a 97-80 exhibition defeat at Bud Walton Arena.

November 4, 2011
LIONS GET FIRST LOOK AT 2011-12 SEASON, FACING ARKANSAS IN EXHIBITION
A&M-Commerce will get its first on-court playing experience tonight, traveling to Fayette, Arkansas to face the Razorbacks in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. at Bud Walton Arena.

October 26, 2011
DESMOND KING TABBED LONE STAR CONFERENCE PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
A&M-Commerce senior forward Desmond King has been named the Lone Star Conference's Preseason Player of the Year, announced today by league officials. In addition, A&M-Commerce was picked to finish fouth in the conference standings at the LSC conducted its online Basketball Media Day.

September 8, 2011
LIONS UNVEIL 2011-12 MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Texas A&M University-Commerce head men’s basketball coach Sam Walker today announced the Lions' 2011-12 schedule.

July 19, 2011
ROBERT TAYLOR NAMED A&M-COMMERCE'S ASSISTANT MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
A&M-Commerce head men’s basketball coach Sam Walker today announced the hiring of Robert Taylor as the Lions’ new assistant basketball coach. Taylor brings with him over 20 years of coaching experience as well as ties to Northeast Texas.