CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – An exhibition game for the Celts of the University of St. Thomas put a big scare into Texas A&M–Corpus Christi before the Islanders eventually claimed a 69-59 win Saturday.

The Celts led by as many as 10 points early in the second half, but a pair of big scoring runs by the Islanders late in the game lifted the home team to victory.

Brian Payton (SO/Cypress, Texas) and Nathan Thormaehlen (SR/Katy, Texas) scored 10 points apiece for the Celts. Keaton Shaw (SR/Mont Belvieu, Texas) chipped in eight points and pulled in eight rebounds for UST.

The Celts used a 13-4 run late in the first half to take a 33-27 lead. UST shot 44 percent (8 of 18) from the 3-point arc during the first 20 minutes.

UST built its 10-lead early in the second half thanks to a 12-1 run that was capped with a layup from Shaw with 13:21 left to play in the game. Shaw and Thormaehlen scored five points during the run.

The Islanders used runs of 14-2 and 12-0 late in the second half to reclaim the lead.

Austin Arnold (FR/Katy, Texas) and Cameron Gims (SO/Cypress, Texas) scored six points apiece for the Celts.

The Celts return to action Tuesday when they host Dallas Christian College at UST's Jerabeck Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.