AUSTIN, Texas (January 14, 2016) -- The Texas A&M International Men's Basketball team won a Heartland Conference thriller Thursday night. TAMIU defeated St. Edward's University 61-60. The Dustdevils improve to 11-4 overall and 6-1 in the Heartland Conference.
 
Up 61-60 with 16 seconds left in play, the Dustdevils defended a last-second shot to win the game. Neither team led by more than 10 points during the game, the Dustdevils largest lead was six (6). Following a TAMIU timeout, Junior Jordan VanDeKop made a layup, giving the Dustdevils the 61-57 advantage. After a fastbreak layup, the Hilltoppers brought the game within a single point before Dustdevil defense spoiled the comeback effort.
 
VanDeKop led the way for TAMIU, scoring 15 points and grabbing seven (7) rebounds. Deonnte Breedlove scored nine (9) points, grabbing six (6) rebounds and three (3) steals. Senior Arkeem Joseph scored nine (9) points, tallying three (3) assists on the night.
 
The Dustdevils shot 25-48 from the field (52%) and grabbed 35 rebounds. The team continued to share the spotlight as nine (9) players scored at least one (1) point.

Head Coach Bryan Weakley commented on the win saying, "This was a grind out game today against a very good basketball team. I am proud of the guys because we found a way to win even though we didn't have one of our best games."
 
TAMIU will be back in action January 16 in Odessa, Texas.  The Dustdevils continue Heartland Conference play against Texas Permian Basin University. Tip-off is set for 3 pm CST.
 
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