LAREDO, Texas (November 24, 2015) -- Keke Matthews helped TAMIU pick up the program's first ever win over Tarleton State University Tuesday night, scoring a season high 28 points in a 67-60 win.  The Dustdevils entered the contest with an 0-4 all-time record against the Texanns, including a 57-74 loss earlier this season.  With the game tied at 47 heading into the fourth quarter, Matthews scored 9 of TAMIU's 20 points in the final frame to help the Dustdevils pick up their first win of the season.  The Dustdevils improved to 1-3 on the year with the win and also exacted a little revenge on the team that knocked them out of the NCAA tournament two seasons ago.

While Matthews effort on offense was big, it was defense that helped TAMIU pull away.  The Dustdevils held TSU to only 60 points, their second lowest total of the season, holding the Texanns to just 29.8 (17 of 57) shooting from the field.  They also cut TSU's three point buckets in half from their first meeting of the year - 5 of 17 tuesday night compared to 12 of 33.

Fellow senior guard Jessica Prieto turned in another quality performance recording 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals.  Ashley Perry grabbed a team high 12 rebounds while Hannah Beede kicked in 12 points.

in the first half the Dustdevils' defense played as well as they have all season, but stuggled to convert buckets in the paint.  TAMIU was 5-for-20 in the half on shots in the lane and missed 13 of 14 heading into the break.  Despite their struggles offensively, TAMIU trailed by only six, 22-28, at the half.  

TSU was able to extend their lead to seven points early in the second half but six straight TAMIU points cut the deficit to 32-31.  The Dustdevils finally broke through as Matthews evened things at 40 on two free throws.  A steal moments later from Prieto set up Chelsea Salom (7 points, 3 rebounds) for a layup to give TAMIU a 42-40 lead.

The fourth quarter started with both teams locked at 47, but a quick 9-2 run put TAMIU up 56-49 with 7:34 remaining.

The Dustdevils pushed their lead out to as many as nine down the stretch before a few consecutive turnovers allowed TSU pull back within four with less than a minute left.  Clutch free-throws from Matthews, Beede, and Salom sealed the 67-60 win.

TAMIU will be back in action over the holiday break as part of the West Texas A&M Thanksgiving Classic in Canyon, Texas.  The Dustdevils will square off with Cameron (3-1) Friday at noon before trying to hand the host Buffs (4-0) their first loss Saturday at 5:30 p.m.