LAREDO, Texas - In the end, Texas A&M International left no doubt. The Dustdevils knocked off Heartland Conference frontrunner Lubbock Christian 68-60 on Saturday afternoon at the TAMIU Kinesiology & Convocation Building, thus at chance for a spot in next weekend's postseason conference tournament.
TAMIU held a 10 point lead in the first half and led by as many as 11 points in the second half but hustle and fundamentals ultimately led to the win over the talented Chaps. LCU cut the Dustdevil lead to 51-50 on a jumper by Kellyn Schneider at the 5:57 mark but TAMIU would not fold under the pressure.
Keiona Mathews regained possession of a ball she lost control of and finished with a driving lay-up to give the Dustdevils a 60-54 lead at the 3:26 mark. LCU would cut that lead to 60-57 at the 2:35 mark but the Chaps would get no closer than that margin the rest of the game.
TAMIU got some critical rebounds down the stretch, including a diving offensive rebound of a loose ball by Mathews with 1:09 remaining and the Dustdevils clinging to a 62-57 lead. TAMIU out-rebounded LCU 5-1 over the final 90 seconds of play.
TAMIU also made six of eight free throw attempts over the final 90 seconds, after the Chaps started intentionally fouling the Dustdevils.
The Dustdevils played only seven players with the five starters all playing 29 minutes or more.
Jessica Prieto played all 40 minutes and led the Dustdevils with 31 points, five assists and three steals. Mathews and Jessica Woo finished with 10 points apiece and Alexis Thomas and Mathews each finished with a team-high six rebounds.
The Heartland Conference Tournament will be hosted by Arkansas-Fort Smith next Friday and Saturday. The tournament bracket will be released later today or on Sunday.
