ORANGE, California (November 5, 2016) - The Texas A&M International University Men's Basketball team continued play in the CCA Division II Tip-Off Classic on Saturday. The Dustdevils were dealt a 64-72 loss. TAMIU moves to 0-2 on the season.

Down 18 through 33 minutes of play, TAMIU battled back to bring Saturday's game within one point. With seven minutes left in regulation the Dustdevils and Cougars battled, TAMIU would not allow Azusa Pacific to extend their lead over five. Late fouls would allow the Cougars to take an eight point advantage before the final buzzer sounded.

The first half saw TAMIU put up 26 points. Heading to the half, the Dustdevils trailed 26-34. Kenny Hatch, Jordan VanDeKop, and Bunja Yaboe would each put up six points in the first 20 minutes of play. Yaboe and Kamari Robinson each grabbed three rebounds while Hatch dished out three assists.

An early second-half Cougar run would put TAMIU behind by 18 before the Dustdevils battled back. Denzel Bellot put up nine points on a three-point shot and four successful free throws. Dan Milota would score eight points, grabbing four rebounds. Jeremy Wright sank a three and dished out three assists in the final 20 minutes.

VanDeKop finished the game with 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Hatch picked up 11 points, dishing out four assists and grabbed two boards in the game. Milota recorded four rebounds and 10 points in the loss.

TAMIU used 32 points in the paint to stay in the game. The Dustdevil bench provided strong relief for the second straight night, scoring 30 points. TAMIU created 11 points off turnovers.

The CCA Division II Tip-Off Classic ends Sunday for TAMIU. The Dustdevils will face St. Cloud University in the final game. Tip-off is set for 1:15 pm CST.

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