LAREDO, Texas (January 2, 2017) - The Texas A&M International University Men's Basketball team opened the New Year with their third Heartland Conference win. TAMIU hosted Lubbock Christian at home on Monday night. The Dustdevils defeated LCU 67-64, moving to 9-5 overall (3-1 Heartland Conference). 

First Half:
After falling 10 points back in the first 4:30 of play, TAMIU brought the game within four points with just under 10 minutes remaining. The Dustdevils continued to push back into the game, taking a 25-24 lead with 2:03 remaining in the first half. A last second three from Kenny Hatch put TAMIU up 31-27 at the half. Arthur Santanna finished the first half with a team-high eight points. Hatch added seven points while Bunja Yaboe finished with six. Despite shooting 28% from the field, TAMIU was able to go 4-7 from behind the arc through 20 minutes of action. 

Second Half:
Bunja Yaboe led the Dustdevils through the final 20 minutes of play, putting up 21 points, shooting 9-10 from the field. Yaboe went 2-2 at the line and 1-1 from behind the arc. After surrendering the lead early in the second half, TAMIU was able to regain the advantage with 8:45 left in regulation. LCU would tie the game three times in the final eight minutes of action. Five Dustdevil free-throws and a Yaboe layup would prevent the Chaps from regaining the lead.

Player of the Night:
Yaboe led the Dustdevils with his second straight game with more than 25 points. Yaboe finished the night with 27 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and a pair of steals. 

Jordan VanDeKop finished the night with 12 points and six rebounds. Santanna would finish with 11 points and three rebounds. Denzel Bellot added a team-high seven assists. 

Coaches Corner:
Head Coach Bryan Weakley commented on the win, "Total team effort tonight! We have been battling the injury bug so it was nice to fight through some adversity and get the win."

Up Next:
The Dustdevils head out on a two-week, three-game road trip on Wednesday. TAMIU will take on Oklahoma Christian on Thursday, January 5. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm in Oklahoma City. 

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.