FORT SMITH, Ark. - Texas A&M International men's basketball (6-18, 3-10 HC) took down Arkansas-Forth Smith (9-17, 3-11 HC) on Thursday. With the victory, the Dustdevils notched their first win over the Lions since 2017.

Brent Finn led the squad with 18 points, as well as eight rebounds, three assists and a steal. Xabier Gomez posted 17 points with six rebounds and a block. Damon Leach was one rebound shy of a double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

The entire first half was an extremely close and back and forth affair with neither team able to get much separation. The period featured three lead changes and six ties. The Dustdevils took their largest lead of the half at 23-18 with four minutes left in the half. They carried a 29-27 lead into the intermission.

In the second half, the Lions were able to briefly retake the lead at 31-29 early in the period. However, TAMIU took the lead to stay at 37-35 with 15:21 left. From there, that was the start of an 11-3 run that pushed them to their largest lead of the game at 48-38 with just under eight minutes remaining. The Lions refused to go down without a fight though, as they were able to cut the lead to 61-57 with 13 seconds left. Thanks to made free throws from Finn and Danny Spinuzza, the Dustdevils were able to put the game away and take the victory 64-59.

TAMIU will close out the final road trip of the regular season on Saturday as travel to Claremore, Okla. to face off against Rogers State.