LAREDO, Texas (January 9, 2016) -- Despite outscoring their opponent in the fourth quarter, the Dustdevils Women's Basketball team lost a Heartland Conference matchup against the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Saturday afternoon. A fourth quarter push helped pull the game closer, but the Lions outscored the Dustdevils 62-50. TAMIU moved to 6-8 overall and 3-3 in conference play.

After trailing by 15 through three quarters of play, the Dustdevils picked up their game in the fourth, outscoring the Lions 17-14. The Dustdevils however, were unable to close the gap, as the Lions shot 9-10 from the free throw line in the fourth. The fourth quarter push was fueled by Senior Keiona Mathews who scored 12 points in the final quarter.

Mathews picked up her fourth double-double of the season, grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring 28 points. Fellow Senior Jessica Prieto added 17 points while recording two (2) steals and grabbing seven (7) rebounds. 

Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson commented after the game saying "Unfortunatley we didn't come out with enough fight in us tonight, that's my job, and it will be fixed. Our defense took a step back tonight and we didn't shoot the ball well. We know that our defense must be consistent and that we need to execute the scout. We will regroup, have good practices this upcoming week and prepare for two tough opponents next week."The Dustdevils looked to push the ball inside, scoring 16 points in the paint. Capitalizing on second chance points, TAMIU outscored UAFS 13-10.

Up next, the Dustdevils will face Heartland Conference foe St. Edwards. The game will take place Thursday January 14, 2016 in Austin, Texas. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm CST.

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