LAREDO, Texas (February 9, 2017) - The Texas A&M International University Men's Basketball team hosted St. Edward's University in the TAMIU KCB on Thursday night. TAMIU defeated the Hilltoppers 88-78, moving to 15-9 overall (9-5 Heartland Conference).
First Half:
A buzzer-beating three from
Jeremy Wright highlighted the Dustdevil first half, putting TAMIU up 41-40. TAMIU jumped out to an early 13-6 lead in the first half of play on Thursday. The seven point advantage would be the largest either team held in the first 20 minutes of action. The Hilltoppers would take a two point lead with 30 seconds remaining in regulation before Wright's three put TAMIU ahead in the final second of play.
Bunja Yaboe led all scorers in the first half, dropping 12 points. Yaboe added a team high four rebounds.
Second Half:
St. Edward's was able to overtake TAMIU in the first three minutes of second half play, taking a two point lead with 17 minutes remaining. The Dustdevils would quickly take the lead back, holding the advantage for the final 17 minutes of play. With 12 minutes remaining, TAMIU would hold their largest lead of the night at 10. SEU would bring the game within two with 3:30 left in regulation before the Dustdevils put the game away, stretching the lead to 10 again before the final buzzer sounded.
Kenny Hatch matched Yaboe's 12 first half points with 12 of his own in the final 20 minutes of play.
Hatch was one of five Dustdevils to finish with double digit points, ending the night with 18. Yaboe finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Jeremy Wright picked up 13 points while
Jordan VanDeKop finished with 12.
Denzel Bellot finished with 11 points in the win.
Coaches Corner:
Head Coach
Bryan Weakley commented on the win, "I felt like we responded well from our tough road trip last week. We played with a lot more confidence. It doesn't get any easier from here on out."
Up Next:
The Dustdevils remain at home for two weeks, hosting Oklahoma Christian on Saturday, February 11. Tip-off is 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.
