LAREDO, Texas - Texas A&M International men's basketball (3-6) fell to Western New Mexico (3-1) in a 70-62 decision on Tuesday.

Xabier Gomez led the Dustdevils with 17 points and seven rebounds, as well as two steals, an assist and a block. Damon Leach posted 14 points with seven rebounds, two blocks and an assist. Danny Spinuzza added nine points, a rebound and a steal. Brent Finn contributed eight points, four rebounds and a steal.

The game began tight as the Mustangs opened on a 4-0 run, but TAMIU raced to tie it at 6-6. The Dustdevils took their first lead at 9-8, but WNMU took it back 10-9. However, TAMIU managed to retake the lead 14-13 and went ahead 18-13 with just under eight minutes left in the half. The Mustangs battled back to regain the advantage in the closing moments of the period, and took a 29-25 lead into the break.

For most of the second half WNMU held control. They took their first double-digit lead at 49-39, and pushed out to their largest lead at 62-47 with 3:13 left. The Dustdevils refused to go down with out a fight as they trimmed the deficit to eight points, but that would be as close as they got. The Mustangs took the victory 70-62.

TAMIU now looks to open Heartland Conference play on Thursday, Nov. 29 in San Antonio, Texas against St. Mary's at 7:30 p.m.