Darrell Williams led three Lions scorers in double-digits as the senior forward collected 20 points in back-to-back games to open the season for A&M-Commerce, who improved to 2-0 after an 82-63 win behind a stifling defensive effort Saturday afternoon in game two of the Texan Tipoff Classic.
"We played well today," A&M-Commerce head coach Sam Walker said. "They shot 45 3-pointers and ran an unorthodox offense. They zoned us on defense, as well. Games like this early in the season can give teams problems, but I was really proud of the way the bigs played guarding away form the basket. Christian Macauley andEverrettPleasant played really well for us defensively. We are happy to be 2-0 to start the season."
Eddie Leal provided the offense in the first half going 3-for-4 from behind the arc and finishing the half with nine points. The Lions out shot the Cowboys 55.6 percent compared to 32.4 percent for New Mexico Highlands en route to a 10-point halftime lead, 42-32.
The Cowboys were able to get within one point lead, 54-53, at the 13-minute mark in the second half, but the Lions put the Cowboys away with a 15-0 run extending the margin out to 14-point lead, 67-53, with eight minutes remaining. TAMUC cruised to the 19-point win, 82-63, over the Cowboys.
A&M-Commerce dominated in the paint scoring 40 points compared to only four points in the paint for New Mexico Highlands. The Lions had 21-second chance points and the bench provided 22 points for A&M-Commerce.
A&M-Commerce owned the glass out rebounding the Cowboys 50 compared to only 32 for New Mexico Highlands.
TAMUC finished the game 49 percent from the floor, while limiting the Cowboys to just 30 percent. New Mexico Highlands launched up 45 3-point field goal attempts, but only made 14 for 31 percent. The Lions converted five of their 20 long-range shots.
Anthony Adams scored in double-figures for the second consecutive game as the guard notched 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the floor. He also converted on four of his five free throw attempts. Macauley was the third Lion in double digits with 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the free throw line. Macauley also grabbed eight rebounds, while JR Owens ripped down a game-high nine rebounds.
The Lions will stay on the road traveling to Arkadelphia, Arkansas for a match-up against Ouachita Baptist on Thursday, November 20 tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.