KINGSVILLE, Texas – The West Texas A&M men's basketball team couldn't overcome a slow start in Kingsville, Texas on Sunday afternoon as the Buffs fell to Texas A&M-Kingsville, 65-60. The Buffs suffer their first loss of the season and move to 8-1 overall with a 3-1 record in Lone Star Conference play.  
 
The Leaders
Two Buffs reached double-digit scoring on Sunday afternoon led by a team-high 16 from Ahamed Mohammed and two assists. Noah Pagotto (13) also ended his day in double figures. Jailyn Sledge recorded a team-high nine rebounds, two blocks, and two steals while Isaac Ayoubi dished out four assists.
 
How It Happened
Texas A&M-Kingsville started fast, jumping out to an early 5-0 lead. After a Bob Griechen bucket opened the scoring, the Javelinas expanded their lead to 11-4 at the first media timeout of the game. Over the game's next minutes, the Buffs attempted to cut into the lead, but Texas A&M-Kingsville remained in control by answering bucket-for-bucket. The Javelinas stretched their lead to 11 before back-to-back makes from Narit Chotikavanic and Ahamed Mohammed brought the lead back down to single digits. Ahead of the final media timeout of the first half, Mohammed converted another opportunity from deep, bringing the Buffs back within eight. At halftime, A&M-Kingsville held onto its advantage, leading WT, 35-28.  
 
The second half started quickly as both teams ran the court, picking up the game's pace. As the game went to the first media timeout of the period, the Javelinas restored their lead back to 10. The shooting woes continued for the Buffs as A&M-Kingsville pushed its lead to 13 with 13:41 to play. The Javelinas remained in control of the game with the Buffs looking to mount a comeback. With 3:48 to play, an Ayoubi three started a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to single digits.
 
With 86 seconds to play, an offensive foul from A&M-Kingsville returned possession back to WT. Amir McMillian drew a foul with just over a minute to play where the freshman converted both free throws to bring the game back within four. The Javelinas responded with a dunk before grabbing a defensive board on the other end of the court. In the final 30 seconds, a Mohammed three made things interesting as A&M-Kingsville turned the ball over after the made bucket. The Buffs would follow with a turnover of their own, allowing the Javelinas to close the game out down the stretch.
 
WT continues its road trip at Texas A&M International on Tuesday, Dec. 17 with a 3 p.m. tipoff.
 
Inside the Box Score

• The Buffs lead the all-time series with Texas A&M-Kingsville, 58-27.
• Head coach Tom Brown moves to 15-4 against the Javelinas.
• WT shot 36.2% (21-of-58) from the field, 28.6% (8-of-28) from deep, 50.0% (10-of-20) from the charity stripe with 37 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, three blocks, and 18 turnovers.
• Texas A&M-Kingsville shot 50.9% (28-of-55) from the floor, 14.3% (1-of-7) from the 3-point range, 57.1% (8-of-14) at the free throw line with 38 rebounds, 11 assists, 11 steals, three blocks, and 16 turnovers.

 
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