Denver, Colo. – Texas A&M International University fell 89-57 to no. 17 Black Hills State Monday afternoon at the Auraria Events Center.

TAMIU opened the afternoon shooting 9-24 from the field, including 4-13 from three, while scoring seven points off the bench. Caylen Goff Brown provided a spark with mid-range jumpers, and Spivey Word added timely buckets, but BHSU used 22 points in the paint and 18 bench points to build a 43-25 halftime lead.

The Dustdevils improved offensively in the second period, shooting 12-31 and scoring 32 points. Gaius M'Ella found his rhythm inside, and TAMIU generated 20 paint points while keeping pace early in the half. TAMIU posted seven second-chance points and got 11 more from its reserves in the half.

M'Ella led the way for TAMIU with 17 points on 6-14 shooting, adding seven rebounds and four offensive boards while battling inside all game. Goff Brown delivered 12 points, including two timely threes, and chipped in defensively with a steal. Jamyier Patton added eight points with a pair of threes, while Word contributed another eight points off the bench, going 3-7 from the field. Peyton Gusters anchored the backcourt effort with five rebounds, a steal, and an assist.

The Dustdevils head to Austin for a non-conference matchup against St. Edward's on Nov. 20^th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.