Nov. 18, 2008

Final Stats

After coming close twice last season, Texas A&M International University has finally recorded its first win over South Texas rival Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Dustdevils defeated TAMUK 76-73 on Tuesday night at the Steinke Center in Kingsville to notch the squad's first win in nine tries against the Javelinas.

Last season the Javelinas beat the Dustdevils by one point in Laredo and three points in overtime in Kingsville.

TAMIU (2-1) led 40-34 at halftime and by 10 points midway through the second half before Kingsville (0-1) rallied to get back into the game. Antron Pippen's layup at the 9:45 mark pushed TAMIU to a 58-48 lead but the Javelinas went on a 16-4 run to take a 64-62 lead at the 5:29 mark.

Kingsville led 70-66 with 1:55 remaining but TAMIU would end the game with a 10-3 run to secure the landmark win. Spencer Foreman pushed TAMIU to a 72-71 lead with a layup with 47 seconds remaining but Kingsville would go up 73-72 on a jumper by Robert Williams with 29 seconds remaining.

The Dustdevils took over from that point with Derek Barnes staking the Dustdevils to a 74-73 lead with a layup with only 22 seconds remaining. TAMUK then set-up for a game-winning shot but Foreman grabbed a critical steal with five seconds remaining and Ignacio García sealed the win with two free throws with two seconds left in regulation.

Barnes led the Dustdevils with 24 points, tying his career-high scoring mark previously accomplished last season against Houston Baptist. He also led the squad with four assists.

Sean Tucker contributed a double-double, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Foreman finished with 10 points.

TAMIU will play in its second straight tournament this weekend at the Tarleton State Tournament in Stephenville. The Dustdevils will face a couple of Lone Star Conference foes in the tournament, with games against Angelo State on Friday and host Tarleton State on Saturday.