Nov. 18, 2009

Final Stats

Texas A&M-Kingsville defeated Texas A&M International University 70-58 in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday night at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building. The result extends TAMUK's lead to 10-1 in the all-time series against the Dustdevils.

TAMIU (0-1) took a 14-11 lead on a jumper by Bernard Burrell at the 11:08 mark of the first half but TAMUK (1-0) would respond with a 19-2 run to take a 30-16 lead on a jumper by Flavio Milam at the 5:53 mark. The Dustdevils would cut the lead to five points but the Javelinas held TAMIU scoreless the final two minutes of the half and TAMUK led 33-25 at the break.

A&M-Kingsville benefited from some sharp shooting in the second half and the lead was pushed to 50-30 on a two free throws by Royce Gaye at the 13:37 mark. The lead would be extended to 23 points at the 10:42 mark before TAMIU fought back to cut the margin to 61-50 on a free throw by Chris Swan at the 6:24 mark. The Dustdevils would get no closer than that, however, against their South Texas rivals from the Lone Star Conference.

TAMUK made 25 of 53 field goal attempts compared to 20 of 49 field goals made by the Dustdevils. Both teams finished with 29 rebounds but TAMIU committed 19 turnovers compared to 15 for the Javelinas.

Christian Jones led TAMIU in scoring with 12 points and rebounding with six boards. Swan contributed nine points and three rebounds in his first game back after a medical redshirt season with Burnell and Evan Matteson each contributing eight points. Matteson contributed a team-high three blocks as well.

TAMIU returns to action this weekend at the Tarleton State Tournament. The Dustdevils will face two Lone Star Conference foes, opening up against host Tarleton State on Friday before facing Angelo State on Saturday.