The Wildcats snapped a five-game losing streak and picked up their first win in Lone Star Conference South play on Tuesday. The men put the game away on the free throw line, hitting eight of 10 free throws in the last minute to defeat Texas A&M-Kingsville 79-72.

Dustin Heiman hit 11 of 13 free throw attempts and finished with 16 points. ACU shot 75 percent as a team at the line, the highest percentage since Jan. 4.

Giordan Cole added 16 points and five rebounds for the game. The Wildcats led by four at halftime before opening up a 17-point lead in the second half. The Javelinas made a run late in the game, but the Wildcats were able to hold them off and pull out the victory.

“I thought we came out and played hard in the first half,” said Head Coach Jason Copeland. “I would have liked to finish the game better, but anytime you beat a team like Kingsville, you’re happy. We just have to figure a way to win Saturday.”

The bench played a huge factor in the win for the Wildcats. ACU outscored Kingsville 37-13 off the bench. Heiman led this effort with 16 points.

The Wildcats are in a strange situation this weekend – they will play the same Kingsville team Saturday. Copeland said this was the first time he’s played the same team in back-to-back games.

“It makes the prep easier. I just watch this game and add a couple of wrinkles,” Copeland said. “I don’t have to watch hours and hours of film like I normally do.”

ACU will take on the Javelinas again at 4 p.m. Saturday in Kingsville.