Women's Basketball Falls Short in Upset Bid

Feb. 4, 2012

LAREDO, Texas - The Texas A&M International University Women's Basketball Team had upset on their mind Saturday afternoon, but it was not to be as the Dustdevils came up short losing to U.T. Permian Basin 71-63.

TAMIU led the majority of the game including late in the second half, before the Falcons closed strong to secure the win.

"Our girls played hard today, but UTPB's experience triumphed over our inexperience at the end of the game," said Head Coach David Beaver. "This one was disappointing because we had our chances to win and we didn't execute. Sam Chacon was good again today and Rosebud and Valencia did very well coming off the bench."

After going down by six early in the second period, the Dustdevils battled back with a 23-9 run to take an eight point lead (57-49). With 2:05 remaining in the game the Dustdevils held a one-point lead after Re'Nikia Meshack converted a three-point play. But the Falcons took control in the final two minutes of the game, closing on an 11-2 run to dash the Dustdevils chances.

TAMIU's was in the driver's seat early leading by 11 points (21-10) after the Dustdevils defense held Permian Basin to just 10 points in the opening 12 minutes of the game. Much like they did late in the game, the Falcons closed with a flurry scoring 26 points in the final eight minutes while allowing only 13 to take a two-point (34-36) lead at halftime.

Sam Chacon scored a team high 15 points, adding three assists and three rebounds. Valencia Roy was superb off the bench scoring eight on 4-5 shooting, while Nika Meshack added seven points and five assists. The Dustdevils committed 20 turnovers in the game, compared to 13 from Permian Basin. TAMIU shot 41 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc.

The loss drops the Dustdevils to 3-5 in conference play with two more games remaining in their home stretch. TAMIU will host Oklahoma Panhandle State on February 9, before concluding their home stand versus Newman on February 11. Tip off for Thursday night's game is set for 5:30 p.m.

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