LAREDO, Texas (January 19, 2017) - The Texas A&M International University Men's Basketball team picked up their second straight Heartland Conference victory on Thursday. The Dustdevils defeated Newman 77-69, improving to 12-6 overall (6-2 Heartland Conference). 

First Half:
Despite connecting on seven three-point shots in the first half, TAMIU trailed NU 34-36. Newman held a lead for the majority of the first 20 minutes but TAMIU would never let the Jets ahead by more than seven. Jordan VanDeKop led the Dustdevils offensivley, putting up eight points. 

Second Half:
TAMIU came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Jets 43-33. TAMIU opened a six point lead in the first in the first 90 seconds of the second half. Newman came back to take a one-point advantage just twice in the final 18 minutes of action. Late free-throws allowed TAMIU to push their lead to eight before the final buzzer sounded. Bunja Yaboe played 15 minutes in the second half, putting up 16 points and five rebounds. VanDeKop added eight more points and four rebounds in the final 20 minutes of action. 

Yaboe and VanDeKop each finished with 16 points, VanDeKop finished with eight rebounds while Yaboe finished with five. Jake Eynon finished with 12 points. 

Coaches Corner:
Head Coach Bryan Weakley commented after the game, "Both teams were ready to play tonight. It was a hard fought game. We played a lot better in the second half and that's why we got the game."

Up Next:
The Dustdevils host Oklahoma Panhandle on Saturday, January 21. TAMIU Athletics is hosting Military Appreciation Day with tip-off set for 3pm in the TAMIU KCB.

Stay Tuned:
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.