Laredo, Texas – The Dustdevils (12-10, 8-8) returned home Thursday night for a Lone Star Conference matchup against Arkansas – Fort Smith (4-18, 2-14). An early offensive surge set the tone as the Dustdevils earned the victory, 76-56.

TAMIU came out strong in the first twenty minutes, jumping out to an early lead and not looking back. The Dustdevils shot 16-31 (51.6%) from the field and 5-12 (41.7%) from three-point range. Olaverr Camacho and Emaniel Alexandre both tallied 10 points for TAMIU, with Jalen Barnes and Jeremiah Washington both adding seven.

Alongside the strong offensive showing, the Dustdevil defense was dominant. TAMIU held the Lions to just 19 points in the first half with Arkansas – Fort Smith shooting 7-25 (28%) from the field and 3-10 (30%) from beyond the arc. The Dustdevils forced 10 turnovers in the first half and turned it into 13 points at the other end.

After the first twenty minutes, the Dustdevils led 41-19.

John Achebe led the Dustdevil offense in the second half, scoring 15 points. TAMIU shot 11-29 (37.9%) from the field and 3-12 (25%) from three-point range.

The defense held the Lions to 16-36 (44.4%) from the field and 3-8 (37.5%) from beyond the arc. TAMIU brought in a total of 35 rebounds, behind seven from Camacho and six from both Washington and Alexandre.

The Dustdevils look to continue their momentum on Saturday when they face Oklahoma Christian at 3 p.m. for TAMIU's pink out game.