SHAWNEE, Okla. — The Texas A&M International University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign Friday evening at the Bison Conference Challenge, falling 80-70 to No. 12 Oklahoma Baptist University at the Noble Complex.
Despite a strong performance from Thomas Tangle and contributions throughout the lineup, the Dustdevils (0-1) were unable to overcome the nationally ranked Bison (2-1), who shot 50 percent from the field and used a strong second-half offensive performance to secure the victory.
Tangle led TAMIU with a team-high 16 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field and an impressive 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. He also collected eight rebounds, delivering one of the most complete performances of the evening for the Dustdevils.
Luke Oxford added 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double, while Aaron Perez contributed 10 points, including two 3-pointers. Off the bench, Oryne Stewart Jr. provided an offensive spark with nine points, connecting on all four of his free-throw attempts.
The No. 12-ranked Bison established an early advantage, opening the contest on an 11-2 run before TAMIU began finding its rhythm offensively. The Dustdevils responded with contributions from Perez, Oxford and Matthew Alexander, cutting the deficit to two points at 13-11 midway through the opening half.
Oklahoma Baptist answered with a 10-0 run to extend its lead to 23-11, but TAMIU continued battling. A 3-pointer from Tangle, followed by a layup from Alexander, brought the Dustdevils within three at 24-21 with 6:33 remaining in the first half.
TAMIU continued to keep the contest within reach behind its perimeter shooting and bench production. Stewart Jr. connected from beyond the arc with 1:42 remaining, helping the Dustdevils enter halftime trailing just 38-34 against the nationally ranked opponent.
The Dustdevils shot 45.8 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including 40 percent from 3-point range, while receiving valuable contributions from their reserves.
Oklahoma Baptist came out aggressively in the second half, using its transition offense and inside scoring to extend its advantage. The Bison pushed their lead to double digits early in the period before building a 60-44 advantage with 12:38 remaining.
TAMIU continued searching for opportunities to close the gap, with Oxford, Perez and Phalen Pounds contributing offensively. However, Oklahoma Baptist maintained control, extending its lead to a game-high 20 points at 73-53 with 6:34 remaining.
The Dustdevils refused to go quietly, putting together a late offensive push sparked by Tangle. The junior connected on two 3-pointers during the closing minutes, helping TAMIU trim the deficit to 12 points at 76-64 with 2:24 remaining.
Oxford added a second-chance basket in the final two minutes, while Tangle connected on his fourth 3-pointer of the evening with seven seconds remaining to establish the final 80-70 score.
As a team, TAMIU finished shooting 40 percent from the field (22-for-55) and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc (8-for-24). The Dustdevils also converted 18 of their 26 free-throw attempts and collected 35 rebounds.
One of the bright spots for TAMIU was its bench production, as the Dustdevils' reserves combined for 30 points compared to Oklahoma Baptist's 12. Jayden Barnes and David Emelife each contributed six points, while Pounds added five and Alexander finished with four.
Oklahoma Baptist was led by JC Curry, who recorded a game-high 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Seth Grandberry added 15 points, while Austin Coner finished with 11 points and nine assists.
The nationally ranked Bison held a 42-22 advantage in points in the paint and outscored the Dustdevils 25-7 in fast-break points, helping secure the victory.
TAMIU will look to bounce back as it continues play in the Bison Conference Challenge.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Thomas Tangle delivered a strong performance against No. 12 Oklahoma Baptist, leading the Dustdevils with 16 points and eight rebounds. Tangle shot an efficient 55.6 percent from the field and 80 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on four 3-pointers. His late offensive surge helped TAMIU cut into the nationally ranked Bison's lead in the closing minutes.
Tangle is a senior forward for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration. A native of Carthage, Mississippi, Thomas is the son of Jimmy Tangle and Diana Alex and was born on July 16, 2004.
