Men’s Basketball Starts 2025 with a Win, Defeating Stallions 76-65

TEXARKANA, Texas – The Eagles kicked off 2025 in style, hosting the Stallions of North American University (NAU) for their first game of the year. TAMUT emerged victorious with a final score of 76-65, extending their win streak to three games with just one matchup left before entering the back half of the season.

The game began with the Stallions taking an early lead thanks to a three-pointer by Jamarric Hammond . However, TAMUT's Payton Chism quickly answered with a three of his own. Midway through the first half, the Stallions held the Eagles scoreless during an 11-0 run, building a 12-point lead with just over seven minutes remaining. The Eagles clawed their way back, scoring the majority of their first-half points in the final minutes before the break. At halftime, NAU led 32-25.

The second half opened with a fierce battle, as both teams traded baskets. The Stallions clung to their lead until a layup by Daryl Houston tied the game at 40 with just under 14 minutes left. From that point, TAMUT seized control, maintaining their lead for the rest of the game. The Eagles dominated offensively in the second half, shooting an impressive 61.5% from the field, 50% from beyond the arc, and 88.2% from the free-throw line. TAMUT outscored NAU 51-33 in the final 20 minutes to secure the win.

Deovaunta Williams led the Eagles with 21 points, including 14 in the second half, shooting 5-of-7 from the field and a perfect 100% from three-point range. Daryl Houston added a career-high 16 points and led the team with 7 rebounds.

With the victory, the Eagles improved to 9-4 overall and 8-3 in conference play, moving up to fourth place in the conference standings behind Our Lady of the Lake University.

TAMUT returns to action this Saturday, January 4, facing the Huston-Tillotson Rams at the Patterson Student Center on the A&M-Texarkana campus. Tipoff is set for 3:00pm, following the conclusion of the women's game.