Livingston Drops 30 as Men’s Basketball Closes 2025 with Road Win

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Texas A&M University–Texarkana men's basketball team closed out the 2025 calendar year in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night, rolling to a 90–67 road victory over Philander Smith University inside Mims Gymnasium.

The Eagles set the tone early and never looked back, jumping out to a commanding 41–22 lead at the half behind efficient shooting and relentless defensive pressure. TAMUT shot better than 50 percent from the floor in both halves and controlled the tempo throughout, leading for more than 39 minutes of game action.

Jakari Livingston delivered a standout performance, pouring in a TAMUT career-high 30 points on an ultra-efficient 11–13 shooting from the field and 6–7 from beyond the arc. Livingston sparked multiple scoring runs in the first half as the Eagles built separation early. Deovaunta Williams followed with 13 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Daryl Houston added a strong all-around outing with 13 points and a team-high 12 rebounds for a double-double.

TAMUT's depth again proved to be a difference-maker, as the Eagles' bench outscored Philander Smith 40–12. Jarren Cook chipped in 11 points and five rebounds off the bench, and Jason Bush Jr. contributed six points while helping anchor the Eagles' defensive effort.

Defensively, A&M–Texarkana forced 21 turnovers and converted those into 36 fast-break points, consistently capitalizing on transition opportunities. The Eagles also knocked down 13 three-pointers on the night and out-rebounded the Panthers 40–37, maintaining control on both ends of the floor.

With the victory, TAMUT closes the 2025 portion of its schedule on a high note and will look to carry that momentum into the new year.

The Eagles return to action in January as conference play resumes on the 3rd against the #25 ranked Pilots of LSU Shreveport. Tip off is set for 3:00 p.m. following the conclusion of the women's game prior.