ANAHEIM, California (November 4, 2016) - The Texas A&M International University Men's Basketball opened the 2016-17 season at the CCA Division II Tip-Off Classic on Friday. TAMIU took on Metro State Denver in the first game of the classic. The Dustdevils were dealt a 60-71 loss in the game.

After trailing by six at the half, the Dustdevils would come back to take a two-point advantage with 8:46 left on the clock. A late push from MSU-Denver would see TAMIU fall behind 15. Jeremy Wright sank a pair of three-point shots in the final 30 seconds, bringing the game within 11 before the final buzzer sounded.

The first half saw TAMIU and MSU-Denver play a tight battle through 20 minutes. Dan Milota led the Dustdevils with 10 points in the first half, sinking two free-throws and grabbing a rebound. Kenny Hatch picked up four assists while Denzel Bellot dished out three. After 20 minutes of play, TAMIU trailed the Roadrunners 23-29.

Bellot led the offensive charge in the second half, picking up nine points with an assist and four rebounds. Wrights three-point shots accounted for six points while he picked up two rebounds and an assist. 

Bellot led TAMIU with 14 points and five rebounds. Hatch recorded six points, six assists, and three rebounds. Milota finished the day with 12 points. 

Head Coach Bryan Weakley commented after the game, "We played really well for 35 minutes against a great team. We made poor decisions the last five and that was the ballgame. We will learn from this game."

The Dustdevil bench accounted for 19 points while TAMIU created 11 points off turnovers. The lead changed six times throughout the ballgame and was evened up three times. 

Play continues for the Dustdevils tomorrow in a matchup with Azusa Pacific University. Play is set to begin at 6:30pm CST.

The Dustdevils can be followed all season long on GoDustdevils.com, and on social media. Follow @TAMIUAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat for exclusive content.