UTPB men's basketball nearly erased a 20-point second half deficit Thursday night, pulling within one possession but were unable to get closer than three points in a 77-72 defeat to Texas A&M International.

The Falcons trailed by double digits for a majority of the first half and gave up the first six points after halftime to fall behind 45-25 at 18:43 of the second.

UTPB came back from shooting just 25 percent in the first half to hit 68 percent of its shots in the second half, including back-to-back threes from Thomas Feeney and Anthony Dees in the first two minutes of the second half.

The Falcons cut the lead to single digits with a nine point swing, started by baskets in the paint from Dwayne Soders and Madison Turner to get within nine. 

A three-pointer by Madison Turner followed by a pair of free throws by Feeney after a steal left UTPB down by four with just over eight minutes remaining at 60-56.

A five-point run started by a three-point play from Feeney and a pair of free throws by Dees brought the Falcons within three points with five and a half minutes to play.

The Dustdevils pulled the lead back up to eight on a 3-pointer and layup to go ahead 69-61 at the four minute mark.

UTPB rallied once again, getting another three-point play on a Soders layup and free throw, and a Turner layup following a missed three on the other end to trail 70-67 with just 1:31 to play.

Texas A&M International took advantage of fouls and missed UTPB opportunities, hitting three of four attempts at the free throw line to climb back ahead by six.

The teams traded points with a Feeney layup and a pair of free throws by Damal Donaldson with just 11 seconds remaining.

Dees hit a quick 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining, but Deonnte Breedlove put the game away with two shots from the foul line to close out the five-point game.

Soders led all players with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Dees scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half, and Feeney contributed 15 points and a game-best five assists.

Breedlove led the Dustdevils in scoring with 18 points in a reserve role off the bench.

UTPB looks to get back on track Saturday afternoon, hosting St. Mary's at 3 p.m.