TULSA, Oklahoma (March 3, 2016) -- The Texas A&M International Women's Basketball team concluded their 2015-16 campaign with a hard-fought, 65-71, loss against St. Edward's in the Heartland Conference Tournament Quarterfinals on Thursday evening. The Dustdevils finished their season at 15-12 overall.

Junior Rosebrooke Hunt secured the first points of the game for TAMIU, giving the Dustdevils their only lead in the contest during the first quarter of play. After a multiple-point run by the Hilltoppers, Senior Jessica Prieto capped off a Dustdevils offensive rush to make the contest 12-all with a jumper at the 3:29 mark.

In retaliation, the Hilltoppers took control of the score for the remainder of play. The Dustdevils capitalized on their defensive game, tying their season records for total and defensive rebounds (43, 32, respectively), as they successfully kept St. Edward's within target throughout the contest. However, a season-worst 3-25 (.120%) in 3-point attempts plagued TAMIU, as the Dustdevils were left with the loss at the final buzzer.

Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson noted the performance of her team by saying, "This is a very difficult and emotional evening. The girls played hard, and they fought." She continued by adding, "We just didn't play well. Of course it's disappointing to not collectively have a better performance." 

Senior Guard Keiona Mathews led TAMIU with a 29-point effort, which included 9 boards, 5 assists and 4 steals. Senior Jessica Prieto followed the effort with 21 points of her own, adding in 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Junior Rosebrooke Hunt led the defensive drive for the Dustdevils, collecting 10 boards and 3 steals through the night.

Bento-Jackson commented on the conclusion of her team's season by saying,"In looking at the entire season, there is no question that this team overachieved. JP ( Jessica Prieto ) and Keke ( Keiona Mathews ) carried us all year and truly had unbelievable individual seasons and everyone else showed a lot of growth. I want to thank our four seniors for all of their hard work and for making TAMIU very proud."

The Dustdevils will return home to Laredo, looking forward to their 2016-17 season ahead. Stay updated with TAMIU Athletics in the offseason by following along on Dustdevils Social Media. Like (/GoDustdevils) on Facebook, and follow (@TAMIUAthletics) on Twitter/Instagram.