THE RUNDOWN
The Patriots (10-8, 5-5 LSC) nearly completed a last-minute comeback against Texas A&M International (11-7, 4-6 LSC) on Saturday in Laredo, Texas. DBU faced a double-digit difference for more than half of the closing period and closed the gap to as few as six in the final minute of play.
 
The game opened the two teams trading the advantage. Trailing DBU, 15-14, the Dustdevils precluded a Patriot field goal for 6 minutes, with Ta'Jay Dunlap providing a free throw during that stretch in addition to the drought-breaking layup to bring DBU back within 6. The Patriots offense continued to struggle in the closing minutes, but a pair of field goals from Isaac Bullard and Cameron Kahn and trio of free throws courtesy of Kahn and Ta'Jay Dunlap kept DBU in contention despite a frame where the Patriots shot only 35% from the floor.
 
The second half was largely the same story as the first. Offensive efficiency continued to flow from the hands of the Dustdevils, led by Greg Bowie II, who finished the afternoon with 20 points and 6-8 shooting behind the arc. 
 
DBU faced a 16-point deficit with 1:43 left in regulation, but the Patriots pieced together a 10-0 run in just over a minute, accentuated by a Jermaine Drewey charge drawn by Ricky Lujan. With their lead in danger, TAMIU held off DBU for the final 30 seconds to secure the win.
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Saturday's loss extends the Patriots' losing streak to three, their longest of the season.
- DBU responded to a first half field goal percentage of 35% in the first half with a 50% clip in the second.
- Ricky Lujan had a season-high 22 points on 9-13 shooting.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
4 - Cameron Kahn's four assists is his season-high.
21 - The Patriots snagged a season-low 21 rebounds.
128 - Fifth year senior Carson Hughes tied Myles Johnson for the most games played in school history at 128.    
 
UP NEXT
DBU returns to Dallas for a four-game homestand beginning with a matchup against West Texas A&M on Thursday, January 19. Game time is 7:00 pm at The Burg Center.
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