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Texas A&M International University Athletics

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February Basketball

Men's Basketball

Win and They're in!

Box Score AUSTIN (February 16) – Johnel Gray and Matthew Culliver Jr. combined for 12 points in overtime to help lift the TAMIU men's basketball team over St. Edward's University 64-62 on Saturday afternoon in Austin.
 
The Hilltoppers nearly pulled off the upset in regulation after a couple of late game Dustdevil miscues opened the door.
 
Leading by two with under 20 seconds to play, Culliver was of the mark on a jumper but Jordan Clark scopped up up the offensive rebound.  Clark then turned the ball over and the Hilltoppers came down and tied the game with two seconds to play, thanks to a double-pump layup by Shimeek Johnson.  TAMIU's ensuing inbounds pass ricocheted off the ceiling of the gym and St. Edward's was given the ball back on their own end with just under two seconds. Johnson's fall away jumper at the buzzer caught the front iron sending the game into overtime. 
 
In the extra frame the Dustdevils looked to have put the game away, but a three from Connor Kjer pulled the Hilltoppers within one point with six seconds remaining.  After Gray converted one of two free throws on the other end, Johnson heaved up a half-court shot at the buzzer that rattled in and out.
 
Although the win was crucial for TAMIU, it wasn't their prettiest win of the season.  The Dustdevils turned the ball over 23 times, their second highest total of the season, and managed only five assists in 45 minutes.  TAMIU shot 45.5 percent from the field but finished 0-5 from three-point range.  They did however knock down 24-31 free throws, their third highest total of the year.
 
Five Dustdevils scored in double figures lead by Culliver who finished with 16, followed by Gray who added 13.  Damal Donaldson kicked in 11, while Kevin Jefferson Jr. and Jayvin Reynolds added 10 apiece.
 
With their win over the Hilltoppers and an 80-62 loss by UT-Permian Basin to Newman, the Dustdevils are now just one win away from earning their fourth straight trip to the Heartland Conference Tournament. 
 
TAMIU jumped to 7-5 in league play, while UTPB fell to 5-7.  With a two game lead over the Falcons and only two conference game remaining, a win over Dallas Baptist Thursday night in Laredo will seal the deal.
 
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