Box Score OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Just five days after a heart-bursting triple-overtime loss to Heartland Conference and regional rival St. Mary's, Texas A&M International rebuilt its lead in league play with a 80-65 victory over Oklahoma Christian on Thursday.
With their 14th victory in the last 15 games, the first-place Dustdevils (14-4, 8-1 Heartland) picked up a game on second place Arkansas-Fort Smith and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin – who are tied with 6-2 conference records.
The Dustdevils shot a sniper-sharp 57.1 percent (28-for-49) from the field and 33.3 percent (5-for-15) from long range.
Seniors Jordan Clark and Johnel Gray slammed the Eagles by posting 28 and 25 points, respectively – including Gray's claiming three of the Dustdevils total five 3-pointers. Over the Dustdevils' last five games, Gray has blistered opponents by scoring a combined 98 points – bringing his season average up to a team-high 14.3 points per game.
Gray supplemented his scoring with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block in 36 minutes on the court.
Clark's 28 stands as his career high, eclipsing his previous high of 24 against Southwestern Adventist on Dec. 8, 2013. He also pulled in six boards and dealt a couple of assists in 35 minutes.
Senior big man Damal Donaldson pounded the paint for 13 points, giving him his 11th game of the season with at least 10 points scored. He helped the Dustdevils build a 26-12 advantage in scoring points in the paint. He also rebounded three balls and completed an assist.
Kevin Jefferson Jr. contributed a solid seven points with four boards, three steals, an assist and a block while Deonnte Breedlove nailed a 3-pointer for his only bucket of the game. He contributed two rebounds, a blocked shot and an assist in 13 minutes off the bench.
Matthew Culliver Jr. and William Wise each scored two points, but Culliver – a senior guard – posted team highs in rebounds (7) and assists (7). Former Heartland Conference Player of the Week Vadal Faniel also grabbed seven boards despite not scoring a point in 14 minutes of play.
The Dustdevils face another road challenge on Saturday against Dallas Baptist (6-9, 3-5 Heartland) before returning home to the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Jan. 30.
