THE RUNDOWN
In a night void of offensive prowess, the Javelinas of Texas A&M–Kingsville (12-5, 6-3 LSC) knocked off DBU (10-7, 5-4 LSC), 66-48. Ricky Lujan led all players in scoring with 13.
 
After a 10-9 start, the Patriots struggled to find an offensive rhythm that would plague them for the night's entirety. Following a three-pointer by Austin Garner just under 5 minutes into the game, DBU failed to convert a field goal attempt for 6:31, a stretch broken by another Garner shot from the arc. Despite the woes, the Patriots pieced together an 11-2 run in the last minutes of the first half to close the Javelina lead from 10 to 1 at the break.
 
DBU quickly took back the advantage with a layup by Isaac Bullard on the first possession of the second half. Kingsville responded quickly, flipping the difference on a pair of free throws by Marcus Jones-Green and extending it to as many 18 in the frame. After falling behind by 10 with 12:28 left in the game, the Patriots narrowed the gap to single digits on occasions, but a night with 17 turnovers and a lid on the basket prohibited DBU from mounting a comeback in the 18-point loss.
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- After almost a month without any action, Micaiah Abii made his return to the court on Thursday night. He went scoreless with a pair of rebounds in eight minutes on the floor.
- Junior guard CJ Smith was the only Javelina who scored in double figures.
- Javion Richard has now recorded a steal in four consecutive games for the second time this season.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
12 - With 12 points on Thursday, Isaac Bullard has scored double-digit points in consecutive games for the first time in his collegiate career.
21 - The Patriots' 21 points in the 2nd period ties their lowest in a half this season (November 5 vs. Hillsdale).
40 - Both teams shot below 40% from the field.
 
BLAKE FLICKNER ON THURSDAY'S DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE
"Kingsville punched us in the mouth tonight with their aggression and toughness. They were the better team. We were careless with the ball and not tough enough on the glass. We struggled in every area tonight. This is one we've got to learn from and learn quick. Fortunately, we don't have time to wallow in pity. We've gotta get right back at it and bounce back. It's a quick turnaround with a game on Saturday."
 
UP NEXT
DBU proceeds to Laredo for a tangle with Texas A&M International on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
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