Feb. 18, 2012
Final Stats.html
DALLAS, Texas - The hard work and dedication of the Texas A&M International University men's basketball team was validated Saturday afternoon, as the Dustdevils clinched their second straight Heartland Conference Championship with an 87-82 win over Dallas Baptist.
The win gives the Dustdevils an 11-2 conference record, two games ahead of both St. Mary's and Newman with only one regular season game remaining. ." The Dustdevils are the first team to win back-to-back conference championships, since Incarnate Word accomplished the feat in 2008 and 2009 and the Dustdevils are only the third team in conference history to win consecutive conference championships.
"I'm really excited for our guys and especially our seniors," said Head Coach Shane Rinner. "We came on the road and got two wins in incredibly hostile environments. It would've been very easy for us to allow ourselves to become complacent today knowing that we still had one game to play, instead we showed just how tough our resolve really is. We did everything good teams do - we made big stops down the stretch, we got rebounds when we absolutely had to have them and we made free throws. Obviously our focus is now on St. Mary's and sending our seniors off with one final win on their home court, but I'm so proud that our guys took control of their own destiny and took care of business tonight."
TAMIU shot a blazing 62.7 percent from the field and five Dustdevils scored in double figures led by Ryan McLucas who put on an inspiring performance. The senior scored a game high 20 points going 8-8 from the field and 2-4 from three-point range. Fellow senior Scottie Payne was equally brilliant finishing with 18 points shooting 70 percent from the field, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists. Brian Schaeffer was next in line kicking in 13 points, while James Silvie and Evan Matteson added 11 and 10 respectively.
The opening half was back and forth the entire way featuring seven ties with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Payne took control in the final few minutes scoring six consecutive points as part of a 9-5 run to give the Dustdevils a four-point edge(44-40) at halftime.
The second half was just as hotly contested and it wasn't until the eight minute mark when TAMIU finally began to distance themselves. Tied at 66, Evan Matteson scored six consecutive points as part of an 8-0 run to give the Dustdevils a 74-66 lead. The Patriots managed to trim the lead down to three points with only 1:36 remaining, but Payne immediately answered converting a three-point play to give TAMIU room to breathe. In the final minute the Dustdevils knocked down 4-5 free throws to cement the victory and their place in the Heartland Conference record books.
The Dustdevils will conclude the regular season at home on Saturday, February 25 hosting the St. Mary's Rattlers. Tip off for the game is scheduled for 2 pm.
