Feb. 4, 2010

Final Stats

Texas A&M International University edged Newman 84-82 in a hard-fought Heartland Conference contest on Thursday night at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building. The win over the first place Jets was the third straight home win for the Dustdevils.

Keaton Schultz gave Newman (15-6, 8-3 Heartland) a 78-76 lead when he made a 3-pointer and free throw after being fouled by Gary Matthews Jr. at the 4:32 mark. The Jet lead would stretch to 80-76 before St. Paul Latham took over to lead his team to victory.

Latham made a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 80-79 before making four straight free throws to push the Dustdevils to an 83-80 lead with 24 seconds left in regulation.

Newman had a chance to tie it up at that point but Chris Swan blocked a 3-point attempt by Jaray Matthews with eight seconds remaining. Latham grabbed the rebound and made one of two free throws to push the TAMIU (8-12, 5-5) lead to 84-80.

Jake Darby made a layup for the Newman with three seconds remaining but TAMIU successfully threw in the ensuing in-bounds pass to run out the clock and secure the win.

Latham led the Dustdevils with 34 points. Chris Swan contributed 8 points and a team-high 7 assists and Matthews Jr. finished with 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

TAMIU returns to action on Saturday with a home game against Lincoln. Tip-off against the Blue Tigers is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.