ODESSA, Texas (January 16, 2016) – The Texas A&M International Men's Basketball team defeated Heartland Conference opponent UTPB, 78-73, on Saturday afternoon. The Dustdevils move to 11-4 overall and 7-1 in the Heartland Conference.

The Dustdevils found themselves in another Heartland Conference battle in Odessa. TAMIU and UTPB traded the lead 10 ten times over the course of the game, neither team held the lead for more than four (4) minutes. The Dustdevils took the lead with just under seven minutes remaining in the second half when Deonnte Breedlove drained a three-point basket. TAMIU used three (3) three-point baskets and a layup after that, extending the lead to 10. The Falcons made a final push, scoring six (6) straight before the Dustdevils went 3-4 from the foul line, giving TAMIU the 78-73 lead.
 
The Dustdevils made nine (9) three-point baskets and shot 53% from the field. TAMIU forced 20 turnovers, resulting in 31 points. The Dustdevils battled for the rebound all afternoon, out rebounding the Falcons 33 to 30. Five (5) Dustdevils scored at least 10 points in the win.
 
Breedlove finished the day with 20 points while recording four (4) steals and four (4) assists. Senior Anthony Alston scored 22 points and dished out four (4) assists. Jordan VanDeKop grabbed six (6) rebounds while scoring 13 points for the Dustdevils.

Head Coach Bryan Weakley commented on the win saying, " Our guys found a way to win again today. Our seniors stepped up a lot and led well. Our focus on defense was not good in the first half and it almost cost us the game. I give a lot of credit to UTPB though because they are one of the best offensive teams in the country."
 
The Dustdevils will be back at home Thursday, January 21. TAMIU will take on St. Mary's in front of hometown fans in a Heartland Conference showdown. Tip-Off is set for 5:30 pm at the TAMIU KCB.
 
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