FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
www.GoDustdevils.com
LAREDO, Texas – In their second meeting of the year, Texas A&M International University made easy work of Southwestern Adventist, 101-55, on Saturday at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building. A 54 percent shooting night propelled three Dustdevils (5-3, 0-0 Heartland Conference) starters and one bench player into double-digit scoring.
"This was a team effort," TAMIU head coach Bryan Weakley said. "We played better on defense than we have in the past few games, and we shared the ball well.
"My biggest concern with this team heading into (Heartland) Conference play is whether we are going to commit ourselves to playing great team defense. I still feel that some guys need to understand that you cannot win a championship at this level without guarding your opponent throughout the whole 40 minutes."
The Dustdevils defense forced the Knights into 23 turnovers while completing 16 steals, four blocks and 26 of their 46 total rebounds on defense. The Dustdevils scored 36 points off turnovers and never trailed or saw the game tied from the opening tip to the final whistle.
Senior forward Vadal Faniel stood tallest on both ends of the floor, finishing his second double-double of the season with 21 points and 16 boards to compliment his three assists in just 27 minutes.
Senior sniper guard Patrick Carlson scored a team-high 22 points with four rebounds, a steal and an assist. Montrice McKnight and Terrell Funches both scored 14 points and pulled in three rebounds apiece. Forward Demeco Blue scored nine points in just 15 minutes while Alex Smith and Anthony Alston scored eight and seven points, respectively.
TAMIU, picked to finish third in the Heartland Conference's preseason poll despite winning the conference tournament in 2013-14, opens its conference season at Lubbock Christian on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. The Chaps are ineligible for postseason play as they remain in their final season of provisional status as a transitional NCAA member.
