Feb. 18, 2010

Final Stats

Texas A&M International University kept its Heartland Conference Tournament hopes alive with a thrilling 56-55 win over UT-Permian Basin on Thursday night at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building.

TAMIU (10-14, 7-7 Heartland) built a 10-point lead twice in the second half but UT-Permian Basin (6-18, 3-10) refused to quit.

Luis Gómez pushed the Dustdevils to a 48-38 lead with two free throws at the 7:49 mark of the second half. UTPB responded by battling back to tie the score 52-52 on two free throws by Luther Thomas at the 1:44 mark.

The Falcons kept coming, taking a 55-53 lead on a free throw by Joe Pacheco with 36 seconds left in regulation.

Gómez missed a 3-pointer on TAMIU's ensuing possession but Evan Matteson grabbed the rebound before firing the ball to Gómez who nailed a trey from the right side to push the Dustdevils to a one-point lead. UTPB had time for a last second shot but Will Faiivae blocked Pacheco's short-range attempt to preserve the win for the Dustdevils.

Faiive led TAMIU with 21 points and 11 rebounds. It was his third double-double of the season. Gómez contributed 18 points and Chris Swan finished with 9 points and 5 rebounds.

TAMIU will continue its drive for a conference postseason berth with a home game against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Saturday. Tip-off against the Aggies is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.