SAN ANGELO, Texas – Texas A&M International University tipped off its 2014-15 season on Friday at the NCAA Division II Conference Challenge hosted by Angelo State, and with it began its Heartland Conference title defense. The Dustdevils and Eastern New Mexico ended the season opener in overtime after regulation couldn't contain the eventual Greyhounds victory.

TAMIU (0-1, 0-0 Heartland) fell, 92-88, after senior Vadal Faniel flicked an offensive rebound in to force overtime with just four seconds left. In overtime, the Dustdevils climbed within two off a Patrick Carlson 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining, but the Greyhounds hit 2-of-4 free throws to secure the game.

"Eastern New Mexico just played harder than us," TAMIU coach Bryan Weakley said. "We showed some signs of being a good team, but we will have to be more disciplined defensively if we are going to be successful this season."

Neither team separated itself from the other with no more than 11 points standing as the difference. ENMU led by only a point entering halftime.

Faniel paced all scorers, completing a double-double with 22 points off 9-for-20 shooting and 16 rebounds. He finished with an assist, two blocks, four steals and a perfect 4-for-4 mark from the free throw line. Off the bench, Terrell Funches scored 15 points with seven rebounds and an assist. Carlson also came off the bench to score 13 points with an assist and a rebound.

Anthony Alston shot 5-for-8 from the field to score 11 points with a game-high four assists. Alex Smith finished as the fifth Dustdevil in double digits with 10 points and two rebounds.

TAMIU's bench scored nearly half of the team's points, falling just one short of 50-percent. The Dustdevils punched 38 points in the paint and converted 28 points off turnovers while redeeming 17 second-chance points.

The Dustdevils will close out the action at the NCAA Division II Conference Challenge on Nov. 15 against tournament host Angelo State at 7 p.m. They then return home to host the La Posada Classic on Nov. 21-22 at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building. 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
?www.GoDustdevils.com