LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International men's basketball (0-5, 0-3 LSC) fell 62-49 in their home opener against Texas A&M-Kingsville (4-1, 4-1 LSC) on Friday.

The freshman pair of Journee Phillips and Anthony Scott led the squad with both putting up season-highs of 16 points apiece. Phillips added three rebounds and an assist, while Scott added four steals. Junior Jamyus Jones posted eight points with three rebounds, an assist and a steal. Junior Daniel Kiely also contributed seven points with three rebounds, five assists and one steal.

The game was a defense struggle for both sides throughout the game. If fact, neither scored util the Javelinas made a jumper at the 16:54 mark. The Dustdevils answered by taking their first lead of the game two minutes later at 4-2. TAMUK regained the advantage moments later. The rest of the half stayed extremely close as neither team went up by more than single digits. The Javelinas took their largest lead of the half late in the period at 29-21. However, a three pointer and a layup from Scott pulled deficit close again, with TAMUK taking a 29-26 lead into the intermission.

The second half looked to be more of the same as neither team could get more than a one or two possession lead midway through the period. Unfortunately, the Javelinas began to find some momentum thanks to an 8-0 run and a 12-3 run to take their largest lead at 58-42 with 3:41 left. TAMIU attempted to mount a comeback but came short with TAMUK taking the 62-49 victory.

The two teams will now travel to Kingsville, Texas on Monday, Jan. 4 to face off in the season series finale.