Last Week
The Javelinas played three games against Lone Star Conference North Division opponents last week. They defeated Northeastern State 66-63 on Thursday at home and then lost to nationally ranked Central Oklahoma, 79-66 on Saturday. On Tuesday, they traveled to Southeastern Oklahoma and picked up a 56-51 win.
Playing It Close to the Vest
The Javelinas have been embroiled in a number of close games this year and unfortunately they have not all gone the way of the Hoggies. They have played six games decided by five points or less this year after playing only seven last year. They won a pair of close games this past week to improve to 3-3 on the season in close games.
Starting to Role
Junior shooting guard Mark Stevenson was brought in this year to be a scoring threat after averaging 13.9 points per game last year at Chabot College. After failing to score in double figures in each of his first five games, he has reached double figures in each of his last four games and now leads the team in scoring at 10.4 points per game.
The key to Stevenson’s game has been his three-point shooting. He shot 17.2 percent from three-point range in his first five games, but has hit on 38.7 percent over the past four games. He is averaging 14.8 points per game over the past four games.
In the win over Southeastern Oklahoma, Stevenson led the team with 14 points. He knocked down a three-pointer and converted a traditional three-point play in the final 2:45 of the game to help the Hoggies come out on top.
His “A” Game
Senior guard Antwan Mullins brought his “A” game on Thursday night against Northeastern State. He had the best shooting performance of his career going 10 for 12 from the field en route to scoring a team high 21 points off the bench.
Mullins hit three shots that gave the Javelinas a lead in the final eight minutes of the ball game. He hit six consecutive shots from the field at one point.
Mullins currently leads the team currently leads the team in free throws made and assists and is second on the team in scoring at 9.9 points per game.
P-Nut
Sophomore Philip “P-Nut” Belford may be the smallest Javelina in terms of size, but he has made some big contributions in each of the past two games.
Belford came off the bench against Central Oklahoma and hit his first four three-point attempts before finally missing. He finished the game with 12 points, tying a career high. He came back with nine more points at Southeastern Oklahoma when he came off the bench and connected on 3-of-5 three-point tries. He went 7-for-10 from three-point range and scored 21 points in just 25 minutes of game action in the two games.
Playing Defense
The Javelinas have been playing outstanding defense this year allowing only 61.1 points per game. They have held four opponents under 60 points while only two opponents have scored 70 points or more. In their four wins, the team is allowing only 56.5 points while they have given up 64.8 points in their five losses.
While the defense is playing well, the offense has struggled. The Hoggies are shooting 39.0 percent from the field, 24.7 percent from three-point range and 64.6 percent from the foul line while scoring 59.6 points per game. They have yet to score 70 points in a game and have been held under 60 points in six contests.
Welcome Back Ryan
Senior post Ryan Wallace begins practicing again with the team on December 16 when the last final exam is offered. Wallace had to sit out the first semester of the season because he only has one semester of eligibility left to play college basketball.
Last year, Wallace started all 27 games averaging 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds. He shot 44.6 percent from the field and a team high 85.7 percent from the free throw line. He will provide the team with some much needed inside help on offense and defense.
Hitting from Deep
The Javelinas entered Saturday’s game with Central Oklahoma with only 23 made three-pointers in seven games. The team proceeded to drain a season high 11 trifectas with Philip Belford, Pierce Brooks and Mark Stevenson each making at least three from outside. The team came back at Southeastern Oklahoma and connected on eight three-pointers.
Defensive Minded
Junior Marcus Ford is putting himself in the running for the LSC South Defensive Player of the Year this year. He currently leads the conference in blocked shots (16) and leads the team with 6.9 rebounds per game. He has also contributed nine steals while averaging 9.0 points per game.
Ford was named the South Division Defensive Player of the Week during the first week of the season and could become the third player in the last four years to be the Defensive Player of the Year. Wendell Mulkey won the award in 2008 and Chip Jones won the award in 2009.
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