LAREDO, Texas - Texas A&M International men's basketball (1-1) fell 91-66 to South Dakota School of Mines (1-1) in the final game of the La Posada South Central Regional Challenge.

Junior Ryan Birt led the squad with 19 points as well as three steals, two rebounds and an assist. Senior Caleb Highley posted 12 points with six rebounds and an assist. Junior Calvin Fugett Jr. contributed eight points with six assists, a rebound and a steal.

The game was tight early in the opening half as neither team could grasp a firm lead. The Hardrockers began to break away in the final 10 minutes of the half as they went on a 9-2 run to take a 29-24 lead with just over seven minutes left in the period. They took their first double-digit lead at 40-29 with under three minutes left. SDSMT took a 45-30 advantage into the intermission.

The Hardrockers extended their lead to 51-31 three minutes into the final half. They went up by their largest lead at 78-49 with just under seven minutes left. They eventually took the victory 91-66. 

The Dustdevils will be back in action as they host the annual Courtyard Marriott Classic on Friday, Nov. 15, with their first game against Arlington Baptist at 7 p.m.