ALPINE, Texas — Sul Ross State erupted for 50 second-half points to pull away from Texas A&M International, handing the Dustdevils a 66–41 setback Thursday night at the Pete P. Gallego Center.
TAMIU (7-12, 4-7 LSC) led for much of the opening half and took an 18–16 advantage into the break, but Sul Ross State flipped the game after intermission, shooting 66.7 percent from the field in the second half and outscoring the Dustdevils by 27 over the final 20 minutes.
The Lobos opened the second half with a surge that included timely three-point shooting and defensive pressure, stretching a two-point game into a double-digit margin midway through the period. Sul Ross State connected on six of seven attempts from beyond the arc in the second half after going scoreless from three in the opening frame.
TAMIU struggled to find its rhythm offensively, finishing the night at 24.5 percent from the field and 1-for-14 from three-point range. The Dustdevils were outpaced on the glass in the second half and forced into 18 turnovers overall.
Peyton Gusters led Texas A&M International with a game-high 12 rebounds while scoring 8 points. Jamyier Patton added nine points and six rebounds. Omarion Shackelford chipped in six points off the bench.
Sul Ross State was led by Julien Barclay, who scored 13 points, and Antwonne Holmes, who finished with 14 points. Camren Roper contributed 11 points and eight assists as the Lobos pulled away late.
The Dustdevils return to Lone Star Conference action Saturday afternoon as they continue their road stretch.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Peyton Gusters, Junior, comes to Laredo from Dallas, Texas. He is the son of Patrick and Sheridane and has two siblings. Peyton is pursuing his degree in Multidisciplinary Studies.
Gusters anchored the Dustdevils with a strong all-around effort, finishing with eight points and a game-high 12 rebounds to record a double-digit rebounding performance. Gusters was active on both ends of the floor, pulling down key defensive boards and providing interior presence throughout the night as TAMIU battled on the road.
