Box Score
LAREDO, Texas –Texas A&M International appears enjoy rewriting its personal history. The Dustdevils nailed down their program-best fourth straight victory to start the 2013-14 undefeated on Saturday and they did it in a thrilling fashion that's becoming a trend.
The Dustdevils (4-0, 1-0 Heartland Conference) dismantled Oklahoma Christian's comeback attempt with a 66-65 victory on Saturday at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building. The Dustdevils defeated the Eagles by a combined four points in two meetings last season, developing a rivalry of sorts between the teams.
Saturday was much of the same, as TAMIU saw its once-12 point lead evaporate into a three-point deficit with a minute left in the game. But the Dustdevils witnessed the heroics of defending Heartland Conference Player of the Week, Samantha Chacon, pull them to victory.
Chacon tied the game at 65 with a sleek and slashing lay-up. Making the play monumental, OCU's Krista Stevens fouled Chacon to force the game-winning free throw with 15 seconds left. Chacon buried and cemented the 3-point play as the Dustdevils defended their lead until it became a victory.
Chacon finished with a team-high 14 points, four assists and five rebounds. Joining Chacon in double digits were center Malika Jackson (11 points, 9 rebounds) and Mason Hawk (10 points, 2 assists).
TAMIU's Alexis Thomas fired nine points while pulling in six rebounds, Re'Nikia Meshack and Tina Dang both finished with eight points. Jessica Woo rounded out TAMIU's point scorers with six on the day.
TAMIU and OCU shot nearly identical percentages from the field (TAMIU: 44.6 percent, OCU: 45.5) and the free throw line (TAMIU: 71.4 percent, OCU: 76.9), but the Dustdevils blazed the Eagles from long range. TAMIU buried 47.8 percent (11 of 23) from behind the 3-point line, while OCU shot only 27.8 (5 of 18).
The Dustdevils will try to extend their program-best start to the season on Monday against non-conference opponent Our Lady of the Lake at 7 p.m. TAMIU will host Texas A&M-Kingsville on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in final non-conference home game.
