LAREDO, Texas (December 17, 2016) - The Texas A&M International University Women's Basketball team opened Heartland Conference action on Saturday. The Dustdevils hosted Arkansas Fort Smith, losing 33-76. TAMIU moves to 0-10 overall (0-1 HC).

The UAFS defense was able to hold TAMIU to just 33 points on Saturday. The Dustdevils were able to put up double-digit scores in the final two quarters, but were held to just 12 points through the first 20 minutes of action. 

Joanna Perez led TAMIU in the first half, scoring seven of the Dustdevils 12 points. Hannah Beede added two points and six rebounds. Through 20 minutes of play, TAMIU trailed 12-44. 

TAMIU was able to put up 21 second-half points, behind the push from Beede. Beede put up 10 points on three rebounds. Perez would add six points in the final 20 minutes of play. 

Head Coach Jeff Caha commented after the game, "I thought we started the game with effort and some determination. When we have issues scoring we panic a bit and then we give up a bit and that happened at the end of the first and start of the second quarter. After that it was tough to get back into the game. Hopefully we respect the team and the process enough to be mature and handle adversity to come back on Monday and go get a win. 

The Dustdevils continue play in the Heartland Conference on Monday, December 19. TAMIU will host Rogers State in the TAMIU KCB. Tip-off is set for 5:30 pm. 

The Dustdevils can be followed all season long on GoDustdevils.com, and on social media. Follow @TAMIUAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat for exclusive content.