LAREDO, Texas - Texas A&M International men's basketball (2-13, 0-9 LSC) fell to UT Tyler (5-8, 2-7 LSC) in a 64-53 decision on Saturday.

Senior Caleb Highley led the Dustdevils with 13 points and six rebounds, as well as a block and a steal. Junior Matija Novkovic posted 11 points with a steal. Junior Calvin Fugett Jr. contributed nine points with three assists and a steal. 

The first half of the game was incredibly close with eight lead changes and four ties. The Patriots jumped out to a 10-2 lead to start, but TAMIU battled back and cut the deficit to 10-8 quickly. The Dustdevils took their first lead at 15-14 with 10 minutes left in the period. From there, the two teams traded leads for the remainder of the half, but UTT came out on top taking 29-26 advantage into the intermission.

Things remained close to start the second half with the game staying within single possession for the first several minutes. However, with six minutes left the Patriots began to break away thanks to a 9-0 run that gave them their largest lead of the game at 60-46. The Dustdevils tried to mount a comeback, but they weren't able to get much closer, with UTT taking the 64-53 victory.

TAMIU will be back in action on Thursday, Jan. 16 as they travel to San Antonio, Texas for a Lone Star Conference matchup against St. Mary's.