The TAMUK women’s basketball team outscored the Texas A&M International University in three quarters Saturday night, but a strong second quarter by the Dustdevils resulted in a 56-48 Javelina loss.
A minute and 25 seconds into the first frame redshirt sophomore Bri-Anna Soliz hit a jumper that notched the scoring column for the first time in regulation. Nicole Heyn broke the visitor’s silence with a triple, giving them their first bucket and lead of the game.
The Javelinas followed with a jumper from junior Daisah Purnell and layup by Beaumont-native Anastacia Mickens, gaining the 6—3 advantage. A layup by Josselin Geer cut the Dustdevil deficit to one, but freshman Madison Lucas connected on a field goal, increasing the Javelina advantage to three. Heyn tied the score with a bucket from beyond-the-arc, but the Blue and Gold closed the with three penalty shots from Soliz and guard Treazure Mouton, holding the 11-8 lead going into the second frame.
The Dustdevils opened the second quarter with a six-point run, three buckets coming from the free throw line. Mouton ended the home team’s second quarter lull with a free-throw, cutting their deficit to 14-12. The visitors closed out the first half scoring 15 or the next 21 points, three of which came off a buzzer-beater by Heyn.
Jaden Gonzalez added to TAMIU’s 29-18 halftime lead with two buckets from the penalty line. The home team responded swiftly with eight-straight points, cutting their deficit to 26-31. Geer and Eva Langton combined for nine of the next 14 points, extending the Dustdevil lead to 40-31 at the end of the third.
Fourth quarter-action saw the Blue and Gold outscore TAMIU 17-16, but the home team would be see no margin shorter than six.
Mickens, Lucas and Upton topped the Blue and Gold’s scoring column with 14, 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Soliz led all Javelinas with eight boards, and Mickens followed close behind with seven. Mickens also snagged four steals.
The Blue and gold women will make their way to San Angelo on Thursday, February 20 to take on LSC-foe Angelo State. Two days later they will head north for Lubbock to take on the Lubbock Christian Chaps.
