CHADRON, Neb. -  Texas A&M International men's basketball (0-1) dropped their season opener 61-54 to Chadron State (1-0) on Friday.

Xabier Gomez paced the squad with 15 points as well as four rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block. Steven Coulanges posted 13 points, six rebounds and an assist. 

The Eagles held the lead early at 4-3 five minutes in. However, the Dustdevils took the lead 5-4 at 13:41 and held the advantage for the remainder of the period. They pushed their lead out to its largest at 19-9 with 7:24 left in the half. While CSC tried to chip away at the lead, TAMIU held a 24-20 advantage going into the intermission.

Coming into the second half, the Dustdevils were able to maintain their lead early in the period. However, the Eagles battled back and retook the lead 30-29. TAMIU was able retake the lead briefly at 34-33, but CSC took it back on the next possession 35-34. They then pushed their lead out its largest at 51-41 with 5:45 left. The Dustdevils managed to cut the lead to 58-54 with 20 seconds left, but that would be as close as they got. The Eagles sealed their victory with free throws in the final seconds and took the 61-54 win.

TAMIU will now travel to Rapid City, S.D. on Saturday, Nov. 10 as they face off against South Dakota School of Mines.