Box Score SILVER CITY, N.M. – Texas A&M International men's basketball used a strong first half to defeat Western New Mexico on Saturday, 72-64.

The Dustdevils (12-8, 5-7 LSC) outscored the Mustangs (10-8, 4-8 LSC) 36-22 in the first half after hitting six 3s including two each from senior Jermaine Drewey and junior John Achebe.

TAMIU took the lead on a dunk from Tiras Morton less than two minutes into the game and held the lead the rest of the way. The largest lead came after Olaverr Camacho sank a free throw with just over 17 minutes left in the game to give the Dustdevils a 44-23 lead.

Western New Mexico didn't go away and went on a late rally. A layup with 30 seconds left cut the lead to 66-61, but the Dustdevils closed the game by going 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

For the game, TAMIU shot 21-of-45 (46.7%) from the field and 7-of-20 (36.0%) from behind the arc.

Comparatively, the Mustangs shot 21-of-53 (39.6%) from the floor and 5-of-19 (26.3%) from three.  

Junior Tyrese Davis led the Dustdevils with 16 points and six rebounds, while sophomore Matthew Okoye scored 15 to follow.

Wophomore Lonzo Rand got into double digits with 12 points, and Achebe hauled in a team-high eight rebounds to go alongside his eight points, three assists and three steals.

TAMIU is in action next at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 at home against St. Mary's (9-8, 6-6 LSC).