Javelinas maintain competitiveness against adversity
After almost making it all the way a year prior and starting off the new season slow, the men’s basketball team has found a way to revitalize its season.
After starting the year with a 5-5 record through the first 10 games, things seemed bleak for the Javelinas but hope was not lost and they were able to bring new life back into their season by winning nine straight games, seven of those came against fellow Lone Star Conference (LSC) teams.
After a close loss to Eastern New Mexico ended their win streak, the Javelinas looked to rebound from it and get back to their winning ways against Saint Edwards University at their Pack the House game.
“We try to focus on what’s in front of us and not behind us and we look to better ourselves every week and continue to find success,” Coach Johnny Estelle said.
In the first half of the game, the Javelinas fought hard to maintain the same mentality they had up until this point, standing their ground and fighting until the end.
At halftime the Javelinas found themselves down by two points. But they didn’t stay down long.
“It was huge to be able to show out in front of our Javelina fans,” player Marcus Jones-Green said. “The support and energy from the crowd really helped us big time to be able to come back and win and it definitely was a great feeling.”
The Javelinas scored 34 points while only allowing Saint Edwards to score 32 in the second half.
This then brought the game into overtime. This was the first time the Javelinas went into overtime this season and for many teams this is where they make the crucial mistakes, but not the Javelinas.
In front of a thunderous home crowd, the Javelinas scored 10 points in the overtime period and only allowed Saint Edwards to score six points bringing the final score to 77-73 ending in a victory for the Javelinas.
Despite losing to St. Mary’s a few days later, it has not shaken up the Javelinas in any way.
“You definitely see a lot of change through the years but as well as a lot of adaptability when it comes to the new guys and that’s what you want on a team,” player William Chayer said.
The Javelinas next hit the road as they take on the University of Texas at Tyler on Feb. 9.