LAREDO, Texas (November 11, 2016) - The Texas A&M International University Men's Basketball team hosted South Dakota School of the Mines and Technology on Friday. TAMIU took the home-opener 78-66. TAMIU is now 2-2 overall.
Senior
Bunja Yaboe recorded his best night thus far in front of home fans. Yaboe picked up 16 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and a pair of steals.
A second half push propelled TAMIU to their first home win of the 2016-17 regular season. Leading 46-43 with thirteen minutes remaining,
Denzel Bellot drained a three-point shot that sparked the TAMIU offense. The Dustdevils would extend their six point lead to 12 with 7:35 remaining. The Hardrockers would bring the game within four points with 2:25 left in regulation before TAMIU pushed the lead back to 12 with :46 left on the clock.
The Dustdevils and Hardrockers would play a tight first half that saw TAMIU hold a 35-34 lead through 20 minutes.
Kenny Hatch led Dustdevil scorers with seven points in the first half.
Fabian MacDonald and
Arthur Santanna each picked up three rebounds.
Bellot and Hatch each ended the night with 15 points. Hatch picked up two steals and four assists while Bellot picked up two steals and an assist.
Dan Milota finsihed the game with nine points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Head Coach
Bryan Weakley commented on the win, "We played hard tonight against a well coached team. Our defense was good at times but we still have a lot of work to do to refine our team."
The Dustdevils used the paint to their advantage, scoring 38 points inside. TAMIU shot 60% from the field and 50% behind the arc, sinking seven three-point shots. The Dustdevil benched added 23 points while TAMIU put up 14 on turnovers.
The Dustdevils continue play at home on Saturday. TAMIU takes on Black Hills State in the TAMIU KCB at 5pm CST.
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