LUBBOCK, Texas (February 12, 2026) — Lubbock Christian defeated Texas A&M-Kingsville 82-62 at the Rip Griffin Center on Thursday night, using strong defense and three-point shooting to cruise back into the win column. 

The Chaparrals outscored the Javelinas by exactly 10 points in each half. The home team capitalized on its hit 14 threes on 32 attempts and dominated the visitors on the glass, pulling down 42 rebounds to just 28. 

Lubbock Christian holds a record of 21-4 overall and 12-3 in Lone Star play. Tex. A&M-Kingsville stands at 11-12 overall with an 8-7 conference record in the Lone Star.

Jett McCasland's three-pointer to open the game set the tone for LCU and gave them the lead for good. The Chaps capitalized on TAMUK's turnovers, with McCasland and Lucas Mercandino each contributing steals that fueled scoring opportunities. 

By the midpoint of the half, the Chaparrals built a 17-point advantage, punctuated by a fast-break layup from Antonio Pusateri at the 11:18 mark. Texas A&M-Kingsville wouldn't go away quietly though, and Allen Singleton's trip to the free throw line sparked a 9-0 run for the Javelinas. Lee van der Westhuizen made one free throw before the break to keep LCU's lead at double-digits headed into the locker room.

Kendall Dow sparked momentum for the Chaparrals with a three-pointer to star the second half, assisted by McCasland. TAMUK was never able to cut the lead back to single-digits, and LCU used an 8-0 run early in the half to get the gap to 20 points for the first time. 

The home team maintained pressure with strong defensive rebounds and effective shooting from beyond the arc, increasing its advantage through the period. Dow and McCasland, with contributions from Leo Nordberg, propelled the Chaps to a 48-point second half, outpacing the Javelinas, who managed 38 points.

Dow led the team with 27 points, converting a career-high seven three-pointers on 15 attempts. McCasland added 14 points, hitting four three-pointers and recording two steals. Antonio Pusateri scored 17 points and collected 10 rebounds for a double-double. Lucas Mercandino contributed with two blocks and five assists, enhancing the team's defensive and offensive efforts.

GAME NOTES:
- Jett McCasland made his first career start against the Javelinas, finishing with a career-high 14 points and five rebounds.
- Devin Baccas played a career-high 23 minutes off the bench, scoring six points and grabbing nine rebounds, both of which were also career-highs.
- Pusateri's double-double is his 16th of the year, which leads the Lone Star Conference and ranks second in the nation.
- Dow's 27 points are a new season-high, breaking his previous mark of 24 scored on Jan. 4 at St. Mary's. He was three shy of matching his career-high, set all the way back in 2023 against Oklahoma Christian.
- The Chaps held the Javelinas to just 37 percent shooting, and they are now 9-0 this season when their opponent shoots below 40 percent.

NEXT UP:
The Chaps will remain at home for Saturday's homecoming matchup against Texas A&M International, which is set to tip off at 3 p.m. at the Rip Griffin Center.