Jan. 8, 2009

Final Stats

Texas A&M International University fended off a furious rally to defeat UT-Permian Basin 81-77 in the Heartland Conference opener for both teams on Thursday night at the TAMIU Kinesiology & Convocation Building. The positive result snapped a seven-game Dustdevil losing streak.

TAMIU (3-8, 1-0 Heartland) held a commanding 47-21 halftime lead. UTPB (4-8, 0-1) fought back to cut the lead to 18 points at the 12:19 mark of the second half and eight points at the 1:52 mark.

The Falcons kept coming, tying the score 77-77 on a Charles Harper layup with eight seconds remaining in regulation. UTPB then fouled Derek Barnes on the ensuing possession but the senior sank two free throws to give TAMIU a 79-77 lead.

Luther Thomas had a chance for a tying or go-ahead basket for the Falcons but he traveled on his pivot to the basketball with two seconds remaining. Quintan Lipkins then fouled on the in-bounds pass and Barnes sank two free throws to secure the win.

Jerante Morgan led the Dustdevils with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Ignacio García finished with 14 points and Sean Tucker contributed 13 points.

TAMIU returns to action on Saturday afternoon with a home conference game against Oklahoma Panhandle State. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.