LAREDO, Texas – It took four Texas A&M International University players with double-digit point totals for TAMIU to improve to 2-1 in Heartland Conference play as the Dustdevils defeated Newman (3-8, 0-3 Heartland), 70-52, on New Years Day. With 13 days since their last action, the Dustdevils were led by junior guard Keiona Mathews' 18 points, two rebounds and three assists.

Senior Jessica Woo sizzled off the bench with all but one of the team's bench points, finishing with 17 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Jessica Prieto scored 15 points with five boards, two blocked shots and three steals; Senior Stella Ghazarian finished with 14 points off a 5-for-8 shooting night from the field.

Senior Alexis Thomas and Chelsea Salom were the only other Dustdevils to score with five and one point, respectively.

It was the Dustdevils defense that stood tallest, forcing the Jets into 19 turnovers while also snatching 27 of their 36 total rebounds on defense. TAMIU built a 25-point lead with nearly 10 minutes left before cruising to the 18-point victory.

The Heartland's defending champion Dustdevils next host Oklahoma Christian (3-8, 0-3 Heartland) on Saturday at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building at 1 p.m.