Dec. 29, 2007

Final Stats

Nicole Gipson scored a season-high 21 points to lead Texas A&M International University to a 72-67 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday afternoon in Kingsville. The win ends a five-game losing streak for the Dustdevils while also securing a 2-0 season sweep over the Javelinas.

The game was a back-and-forth affair with the lead changing hands eight times. TAMUK (4-6) led by as many as nine points in the first half but TAMIU fought back to take a 27-26 halftime lead.

TAMIU (4-7) opened the second half with a 16-9 run to take a 43-35 lead on two free throws by Beth Hampton at the 14:41 mark. Kingsville would then fight back itself, taking a 65-62 lead on a three-pointer by LaKeisha Jones at the 3:40 mark.

Mary Tobias answered Jones' trey with her own three-pointer on TAMIU's next possession to tie the score 65-65. TAMIU pushed out to a 69-65 lead after converting two consecutive turnovers to made jumpers by Krystal Benson-Cooper and Gipson.

TAMUK made two free throws and missed 11 field goal attempts over the final two minutes. TAMIU made three of four free throws over the final 20 seconds to secure the win.

Gipson also contributed eight rebounds and three blocks. Jasmine June had a solid all-around afternoon, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Krystal Manning contributed eight points and eight assists.

TAMIU will take a nine-day break before returning to action on Jan. 7 for a non-conference game at Abilene Christian.