In a critical Lone Star Conference matchup for the Tarleton State University TexAnn basketball team, the TexAnns faced the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas. While the game got off to a slow start, the TexAnns defeated the Javelinas 72-55.

The TexAnns, who were coming off a road loss to Angelo State University, were looking to not only get a win at home, but to make that final end of season push to catapult them into the Lone Star Conference Tournament in March.

From tip off, the TexAnns were in a game that was predicted to be a fight to the finish.  Both the TexAnns and the Javelinas played incredible defense, not allowing any easy shots to be made. The Javelinas were determined not to go down without a fight. At the half the TexAnns only led by two, 31-29.

When the TexAnns returned from halftime, they came out ready to play, quickly going up by 14 points within the first six minutes of the second half. The TexAnns toppled the Javelinas 72-55.

An unlikely star rose in the TexAnns’ win over the Javelinas. While Senior Guards Kiara Wright and Brianna Bledsoe tend to lead the TexAns in scoring each game, Sophmore Guard Raven McGrath led the TexAnns with 16 points, four assists and two steals off the bench in their home win against the Javelinas.

The TexAnns take on the West Texas A&M Pioneers at home on Wednesday Feb. 19 in Wisdom Gym at 6 p.m.