The Texas A&M University – Commerce men’s basketball team battled back with a late rally Wednesday but still came up short as West Texas A&M left The Field House with a 70-60 win.
The Lions (7-15 overall, 2-12 LSC) opened the game with a strong defensive stand that kept the Buffaloes to scoring just one 3-point field goal in the first few minutes into the game. Senior forward Courtney Carr gave a quick awakening to the crowd with three blocks on consecutive trips down the floor. West Texas A&M went on a 16-0 scoring spree with just over 9 minutes into the half.
The Lions had been scoreless, missing their last 10 shots, until a field goal was made by Preston Whitley to end the scoring run.
Tez Dumars led the way in the first half for the Buffaloes scoring and finishing the game with 11 first half points shooting 3-of-4 from the 3-point arc. He had some help from junior forward Donald Sims who scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds.
The Buffaloes gained their largest advantage with a little over four minutes to play in the half. They took a 14-point jump on the Lions but by halftime the Lions were able to trim it down to just seven points. West Texas A&M finished the half shooting 50 percent while the Lions were shooting at a rough 30 percent. Esteban Arriola carried the Lions throughout the first half with nine points shooting 4-of-6 from the foul line and 2-of-4 from the field.
In the second half, the Lions kept battling as West Texas A&M was able to control the ball and the lead. They kept a double digit lead throughout most of the second half. A&M-Commerce was able to cut the lead to single digits with just under four minutes left to play in the game.
It was a scoreless night for the All-Conference senior forward Desmond King, who had just four rebounds.
Three Lions finished the game with double figures. Whitley racked up 14 second-half points finishing the game with 19 points. Brad Hambrick shot 3-of-10 from long range and finished with 16 points and grabbed five rebounds and Arriola added 14 points.
West Texas A&M had four players who finished with double figures. Kennon Washington led the way with 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, David Henderson ended with 14 points, and Sims had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Buffaloes upped their record to 15-6 overall and 9-5 in conference play.