GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – After building a 15-point lead midway through the first half in the opening game of the Holiday Inn-Airport Thanksgiving Classic hosted by Colorado Mesa University, Western State clawed all the way back into the lead with just four minutes to go. Texas A&M International University flexed back into the lead and powered to a 70-67 victory.

The Dustdevils improved to 3-2 with the victory, winning their first game away from the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building.

"Our opening game of the Thanksgiving Classic was a step in the right direction," TAMIU coach Bryan Weakley said. "We competed very hard. I was most proud of our defensive effort.

"All of our players were engaged defensively for most of the game."

TAMIU's combination of big men motored the team to 32 points in the paint and eight second-chance points off nine defensive rebounds. Junior forward Demeco Blue thrust 15 points and seven rebounds in just 16 minutes, shooting 70 percent from the field. Senior forward Jamie Farrie finished with 14 points and eight boards.

Farrie also rejected a pair of Mountaineer attempts and dealt four assists coming off the bench to play 23 minutes.

Montrice McKnight contributed nine points while both Anthony Alston and David Horst scored seven apiece off the bench.

The Dustdevils will look to close play at the Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday against host Colorado Mesa at 8 p.m. before returning home to host Texas A&M-Kingsville on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
 

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