Jan. 24, 2008

Final Stats

Ignacio García hit a driving jumper at the buzzer to lead Texas A&M International University to a 67-65 overtime win over St. Mary's on Thursday night at the Kinesiology & Convocation Building. García's game-winning shot was made with a blanket of surrounding Rattler defenders trying to deny the effort.

The win was the first for TAMIU in six all-time games against St. Mary's.

After leading 36-33 at halftime St. Mary's (9-8) opened the second half with a 14-3 second half run to build a 50-36 lead at the 15:30 mark. TAMIU (6-9) would not fold and the Dustdevils made a steady comeback.

Derek Barnes tied the score 61-61 by making the first of two free throws at the :04 mark. St. Mary's Corey Harbert then missed a 3-pointer from the corner at the buzzer and the game was forced into overtime.

St. Mary's went up 65-63 in overtime before Jerante Morgan tied the game 65-65 on layup at the 1:39 mark. St. Mary's would miss two field goal attempts and two free throws the rest of the way before García connected on the dramatic game-winner.

Chris Swan led the Dustdevils with 18 points and nine rebounds. Barnes contributed 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. García and Jerante Morgan finished with 10 points apiece.

TAMIU returns to action on Saturday night against St. Edward's. Tip-off against the Hilltoppers is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the home court.