Corpus Christi, TX -- Brian Evans scored 24 points to lead the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders past the Drake Bulldogs, 78-72, in the opening round of the Islander Classic at Memorial Coliseum.

Aaron White tallied 24 points and Derrick Murphy netted 14 points for the Islanders (6-4).

Drake (3-5) was led by Chaun Brooks, who finished with 14 points in the losing effort. Lonnie Randolph added 12 points for the Bulldogs, who shot just 13- of-28 from the charity stripe.

The first half was well contested and it was Texas A&M-Corpus Christi that took a 33-31 lead heading into the break.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi nailed 17-of-21 free throws in the second half and it outscored the Bulldogs 45-41 in the stanza, as it captured the six-point victory.

The Islanders connected on 48 percent of their shots from the field in the game, while the Bulldogs hit 49 percent.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi looks to win its third Islander Classic in a row when it faces off against Georgia Southern in the championship game on Tuesday.