Jan. 13, 2012
Final Stats
WICHITA, Kansas - After trailing the majority of the night, a handful of crucial turnovers late in the game cost the Texas A&M International University Men's Basketball team their chance for a comeback win Thursday night, as the Dustdevils fell to Newman University 70-66.
"We missed an opportunity to get a big conference win on the road tonight," said Head Coach Shane Rinner. "15 total turnovers, 11 of those in the second half... that's not going to cut it against quality opponents. We need to do a much better job taking care of the ball and getting high percentage looks on our offensive possessions."
The Jets defense hounded TAMIU forcing 15 turnovers, blocking six shots and holding the Dustdevils to 41 percent shooting from the field. TAMIU also struggled to distribute the ball, collecting only seven assists compared to 18 from Newman.
Center Evan Matteson led all scorers pouring in a season high 24 points on 7-12 shooting and adding seven boards. James Silvie continued his hot streak scoring in double digits for the third consecutive game kicking in 12, while Dustdevils leading scorer Ryan McLucas finished with 11. Seniors Brian Schaeffer, Armando Brito and Scottie Payne had uncharacteristic performances, finishing a combined 2-17 shooting from the field.
The Dustdevils struggled in the opening minutes of the game, missing their first four shots and falling into a quick 9-2 hole. With 5:40 remaining in the opening half, Matteson cut the lead down to one point (30-29) knocking down a jumper in the paint capping an 8-2 Dustdevils run. However the momentum was short lived, as the Jets came right back with an 11-4 run to take a seven point edge (41-34) into the half.
The Dustdevils showed their resiliency in the second half, using short runs to cut the lead down to four (55-51) with 10:13 to play and then down to two (61-59) with 5:33 remaining. Trailing by two (67-65) with 1:47 left to play, the Dustdevils had an opportunity to tie, but committed a vital turnover and then sent Newman's Bobby Wesley to the free throw line where he gave the Jets a three point lead (68-65). With 57 seconds remaining TAMIU spoiled another chance to tie, once again committing a crucial turnover. With a chance to ice the game, Newman's Darrell Traylor was errant on a jump shot with 24 seconds remaining, which was hauled in by Joe Reid. With only four seconds left on the clock, Reid was fouled on the offensive end where he made one of two free throws cutting the lead to two (68-66). With the Dustdevils forced to foul, Eric Saunders made the final two free throws of the game giving the Jets the 70-66 win.
The TAMIU men drop to 2-1 in Heartland Conference play and 12-3 overall. The Dustdevils will round out their four game conference road trip, taking on Oklahoma Panhandle State University Saturday, January 14 at 12 p.m.
