CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M men's basketball remained perfect in Lone Star Conference play as the Buffs defeated the Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville 90-83 on Sunday afternoon. The Buffs' improved their record to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play while the Javelinas dropped to 2-6 overall, 0-3 in league action.  
 
The Leaders
Larry Wise and Kieran Elliott each scored 17 points in the win as Zach Toussaint (15) and Ahamed Mohammed (14) also reached double figures. Elliott also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds as Ryland Holt posted a team-high two steals and three blocks.
 
How It Happened
After the Buffs opened the game on a five-point run from Toussaint, the Javelinas came back to take a narrow lead with a run of their own. As the game went back-and-forth for a majority of the first half, WT and TAMUK continued to exchange blows with neither team gaining a definitive advantage. The Javelinas took the lead with 3:38 to play in the first half, but WT quickly responded to regain the advantage. As the clock went under 90 seconds left in the first half, Dillon Gooding drew a foul outside the arc to set up three crucial free throws. Gooding went on to make each chance to put the Javelinas in front. A pair of C.J. Smith makes from the charity stripe gave TAMUK a three-point lead into the locker room.
 
After regrouping at halftime, the Buffs opened the second half on a 9-2 streak to take the lead. The Javelinas fought back to bring the game back within three points. Over the next three minutes, WT outscored TAMUK 15-4 to take a commanding double-digit lead. The Javelinas continued to cut down the Buff lead but made shots and free throws sealed out the Lone Star Conference victory.
 
Inside the Box Score

• WT leads the all-time series, 58-26.
• Head coach Tom Brown moves to 15-3 against the Javelinas.
• WT shot 57.4% (31-of-54) from the field, 52.6% (10-of-19) from deep, 69.2% from the charity stripe with 36 rebounds, 12 assists, seven steals, three blocks, and 13 turnovers.
• TAMUK shot 45.0% (27-of-60) from the floor, 42.1% (8-of-19) from the 3-point range, 80.8% at the free throw line with 29 rebounds, nine assists, eight steals, one block and 11 turnovers.

 
Up Next
WT stays at home to face Texas A&M International on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The Lady Buffs are scheduled for 11 a.m. with the Buffs to follow at 1 p.m.
 
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