Austin, Texas – Texas A&M International battled through a fast-paced matchup on the road Thursday night but came up short in an 83–60 loss to St. Edward's at the Recreation and Convocation Center in Austin.

The Dustdevils opened strong, matching the Hilltoppers shot for shot in an evenly played first half that ended knotted at 40-40. TAMIU generated efficient paint production early, scoring 20 points inside and shooting 14-31 from the field while adding three three-pointers. Gaius M'Ella powered the opening period with 14 first-half points and eight rebounds, while Spivey Word added a key spark off the bench with nine points before halftime.

In the second half, St. Edward's surged ahead with a decisive offensive push. The Dustdevils struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 6-28 from the floor and going 0-8 from beyond the arc in the half. Despite continued effort on the glass, TAMIU pulled down 18 rebounds in the period, the Hilltoppers' efficiency and transition scoring created separation that the Dustdevils could not close.

M'Ella led TAMIU with an impressive double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds. Word finished with 11 points, three steals, and three assists, while Peyton Gusters added eight points and three boards. Knowledge Carter chipped in six points, two rebounds, and a steal, and Jamyier Patton contributed six points, five rebounds, and three assists.

TAMIU plays its first home game next, hosting Angelo State in a nonconference meeting on Monday, Nov. 24. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.