Thursday, February 12, 2004
CORPUS CHRISTI - The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men�s
basketball team (13-8) has received national recognition, both
statistically, and in the latest RPI poll.
The Islanders come in 158th out of 326 NCAA Division I programs in
the latest RPI poll, 131 spots ahead of the closest NCAA Division I
Independent, Texas-Pan American, which came in at 289.
A&M-Corpus Christi also finished ahead of Stephen F. Austin
(168) from the Southland Conference, and Texas A&M (221) from
the Big-12 Conference.
Rebounding has been a big part of the Islanders� success, as
the squad currently ranks 10th in the nation in rebounding, holding
a 7.2 edge in rebounds per game. Fifth ranked Connecticut ranks
first in rebounding margin, grabbing 10.4 more caroms per contest
than their opposition. Texas, from the Big-12 Conference ranks
third, averaging nine more boards than its opponents.
Corey Lamkin (Jr., San Antonio) has played a major role in the
Islanders� success on the boards, ranking 33rd in the
country with 9.2 rebounds per game. Lamkin already holds the Texas
A&M-Corpus Christi career records for rebounds (602) and
offensive rebounds (216). Lamkin and the Islanders has faced two of
the nation�s top-20 rebounders this season, and emerged with
wins in both games. Cuthbert Victor from Murray State ranks fourth
with 10.8 rebounds per game, right behind Connecticut�s
Emika Okefor�s 11 boards per game. A&M-CC also faced
Andy Slocum from Texas A&M, who came in 19th in rebounding,
averaging 9.9 boards per game.
The Islanders also rank 31st in field goal percentage, connecting
on 47.5 percent of their shots. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi played
four games against teams in the top-ten in field goal percentage
including the team at the top of that list, Oklahoma State. The
Cowboys currently are connecting on 52.1 percent of their attempts
from the field. A&M-CC picked up a win over Murray State, which
has the fifth best field goal conversion rate in NCAA Division I
play at 50.2 percent. The Islanders also played Air Force twice,
and the Falcons are hitting 49.4 percent of their attempts, and are
the tenth best field goal percentage team in the country.
A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 28th in free-throw shooting
percentage, converting on 73.7 of their attempts from the charity
stripe.
The Islanders are currently 13-8, and can clinch their first
winning season with one more victory. Their next contest will be
against south Texas rival, Texas-Pan American on Saturday evening.
Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m.
