The Dallas Baptist University Patriots Basketball Team had five players in double figures Monday night as they defeated the Dustdevils from Texas A&M International, 71-66. The Patriots, playing without leading scorer Bryan Baumann due to a sprained ankle, used a balanced attack to move to 7-4 on the season, and 2-0 in Heartland Conference play.

Dallas Baptist got off to a cold start, shooting only 25 percent in the first 10 minutes, and quickly found themselves down 14 points. Trailing 24-10, a made three pointer by Junior Jared Whitmire sparked a 14-4 Patriot run that cut the Dustdevil lead to four with 5:37 left in the first half. Another three by Whitmire, and an offensive rebound and put back by Senior Heath Wiechman sent the Patriots to the locker room trailing 35-31.

DBU picked up where they left off as Sophomore Jordan McGowen knocked down a three pointer to start the second half. The Patriots then took their game to the paint as they connected on six layups to open up a 48-40 lead. Two more three pointers by McGowen and Whitmire moved the Patriot advantage to 61-51 at the 5:54 mark. 

Texas A&M International refused to go away as they mounted a 12-5 run over the next three and a half minutes. An offensive rebound and layup by Chris Swan brought the Dustdevils to within three with 2:11 to play. But the Patriots would not relinquish their lead as Senior Eddie Gloviak knocked down a crucial jumper. Three free throws by Sophomore Armie Lewis sealed the game for DBU, 71-66.

McGowen paced the Patriots with 16 points while Adamson and Gloviak chipped in 13 and 11, respectively. Lewis turned in an all-around game with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Whitmire, in his first ever career start, had a stellar performance with 13 points on 3-6 from the three point line.

Bernard Burrell was the leading man for the Dustdevils as he tallied 17 points and 8 rebounds.

“This was a great win against a very good team,” said Head Coach Blake Flickner. “It's hard to get wins on the road, but we had some guys step up and make some big plays. Jared Whitmire had a big night for us and knocked down some key shots.”