LAREDO, Texas (December 19, 2016) - The Texas A&M International University Women's Basketball team hosted Rogers State in a Heartland Conference matchup on Monday. The Dustdevils earned their first win of the 2016-17 season 45-39, moving to 1-10 overall (1-1 HC)

First Half:
A low scoring first 20 minutes saw the Dustdevils take an early advantage. TAMIU outscored RSU 8-7 and 13-6 in the first two quarters to take a 21-13 lead into the half. Hannah Beede led TAMIU on both sides of the ball in the first half, finishing with nine points and seven rebounds. Joanna Perez picked up seven points and a steal. The Dustdevils recorded their best defensive half of the season, holding Rogers State to just 13. 

Second Half:
TAMIU would come out of the gate strong in the second half, pushing the halftime lead to 19 with 3:32 left in the third. RSU would come back to take a two-point lead with 3:43 remaining in regulation. With just under two minutes remaining, TAMIU would retake the lead. A series of defensive stops would prevent RSU from taking the lead back. Perez would sink five of six free-throws in the final 30 seconds to push the Dustdevil lead to six. 

Perez finished with 17 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Beede ended the night with 14 points and nine rebounds. Rosebrooke Hunt controlled the boards, picking up 12 rebounds and five points. 

Head Coach Jeff Caha commented on the win, "Really proud of our girls, we had a game plan, we saw some things on film and I think we executed our defensive plan perfectly. Every single player contributed in some way. Joanna had a huge night, she controlled the game really well. Hannah made some big shots to start the second half. We closed the game defensively. Rogers State pressed, trapped and even took the lead, but we responded and took the lead right back and closed out the game. I can't say it enough, I am proud of these girls and their effort to accomplish this win."

The Dustdevils return to action on December 29, 2016. TAMIU will host the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in the TAMIU KCB. Tip-off is set for 7pm CST.

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