LUBBOCK, Texas – The Heartland Conference's top two teams from 2013-14 opened their conference campaigns with a collision at the Rip Griffin Center as Lubbock Christian (7-3, 1-0 Heartland) hosted defending champion Texas A&M International University (4-5, 0-1) on Wednesday. The Lady Chaps outlasted the Dustdevils, 87-68, despite being turned over 17 times by the visitors.

The Dustdevils sizzled on defense with 10 steals and three blocks – with 16 points coming off turnovers – but an off-the-mark shooting night saw TAMIU go just 26-for-70 from the field (37 percent). TAMIU struggled with its finishing from all angles, shooting just 24 percent from long range and 56 percent from the free throw line.

Junior guard Jessica Prieto led the Dustdevils for the third time in four games, scoring 22 points. Prieto also grabbed a team-high six rebounds – tying senior Mason Hawk. Hawk finished with a perfect shooting night in just 22 minutes, burying 10 points off 3-for-3 shooting from the field and 2-for-2 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Keiona Mathews scored 15 points with five boards and four assists while playing every minute of the game.

The Dustdevils will look to rebound on the road against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. before the holiday break. TAMIU returns to the Kinesiology and Convocation Building on Jan. 1 to host Newman.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
?www.GoDustdevils.com