FORT SMITH, Arkansas (February 4, 2016) -- The Texas A&M International Men's Basketball team continued to push for the top spot in the Heartland Conference Thursday night. In a back and forth battle the Dustdevils were dealt a 81-84 loss the the Arkansas Fort Smith Lions. TAMIU moves to 14-7 overall and 9-4 in the Heartland Conference. The Dustdevils are now in a four (4) way tie for second in the conference.
A high-scoring first half saw the Dustdevils take a 38-37 lead after 20 minutes of play. Tight play continued through the first 10 minutes of the second half, before the Lions pushed the lead to 13. TAMIU used a balance of inside play and three-point shots to cut into the lead, trimming the lead to two (2) with :42 seconds left in regulation.
Jake Eynon knocked down his seventh three-pointer with :06 seconds left cutting the lead to three (3). After the final buzzer sounded the final score was 84-81 in favor of Fort Smith.
Eynon used seven (7) threes to score a team high 23 points.
Jordan VanDeKop continued his strong play, scoring 17 points while grabbing five (5) rebounds, dishing out four (4) assists.
Arthur Santanna and
Anthony Alston finished with 14 and 15 points respectivley. Alston recorded eight (8) assists on the night.
The Dustdevils hit 13 three-point baskets compared to nine (9) for the Lions. TAMIU shot well from the stripe, sinking 14 of 17 shots. Another healthy contribution from the bench saw the Dustdevils score 27 bench points in the game.
Head Coach
Bryan Weakley commented after the game saying, "I am proud of how the guys battled tonight. I saw some things from Santanna and Enyon I hadn't seen all year. We have to kepp growing. If we do I think we will look back on this season and be proud."
The Dustdevils are back in action Saturday, February 6th in Claremore, Oklahoma. TAMIU will take on Rogers State, one of the four teams tied for second place in the Heartland Conference. Tip-off is set for 3 pm CST.
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