LAREDO, Texas (November 17, 2017) - The Texas A&M International University Women's Basketball team opens the home slate this Saturday as the Dustdevils host Texas A&M Kingsville University. Tip-off is set for 2pm in the TAMIU KCB where fans will have a chance to win a 50" flatscreen television courtesy of InkByrd Designs.
The Dustdevils come into the game after a three-game roadtrip in Nebraska and South Dakota. The Dustdevils went 0-3 over the opening weekend, facing Chadron State. Black Hills State, and Northern State. TAMIU closed the roadtrip with an exhibition matchup against NCAA Division I University of North Texas.
A LOOK AT THE ALL-TIME SERIES:
The Dustdevils and Javelinas have faced off 18 times in each programs history with Kingsville holding a 10-8 advantage in those matchups. The teams played twice last year with one game in each teams gym with TAMUK taking both games.
SCOUTING THE JAVELINAS:
The Javelinas come into the KCB at 1-2 after picking up their first win over St. Mary's University on Tuesday, November 14. TAMUK opened the season against Black Hills State where the Javelinas fell 41-66. Kingsville followed that game with a tight 56-57 loss to Chadron State.
KINGSVILLE'S LAST GAME:
The Javelinas first win came in enemy territory as TAMUK knocked off St. Mary's 48-46. Angelica Wilson led the Javelinas in scoring, putting up 14 points. Wilson picked up a double-double after grabbing 11 rebounds. Tatyana McFarland was the Javelinas next top rebounder, grabbing seven boards. Shaq Debose was the second highest scorer for TAMUK, picking up nine points in 33 minutes.
JAVELINA LEADERS:
The Javelinas do not have any players averaging double-digit points but have three players averaging six points or more per game. Wilson leads the Javelinas, averaging 7.3 points per game, with a team-high 22 points in the season. Debose and McFarland average 6.3 and 6.0 points per game respectively. Emmeri Archer leads the Javelinas with 1.7 assists per game.
Kingsville is shooting 34% from the field through three games and 18% from behind the arc. The Javelinas average 48.3 points per game, while allowing opponents to score 56.3 points per game.
DUSTDEVIL LEADERS:
Tantashea Giger leads the Dustdevils with 58 points this season. Giger has recorded a pair of games where she has scored 20+ points, including 22 points in a loss to Black Hills State. Passionate Amukamara is the Dustdevils next highest scorer, averaging 12 points per game. Julia Hanni is the team leader in rebounds and one of five Dustdevils with 10 or more rebounds this season. Hanni averages six rebounds per game and picked up a season-best seven boards against Black Hills State and Northern State. Ashley Perez leads the team in assists with 10, averaging 3.3 per game.
The Dustdevils are averaging 54.6 points per game, shooting 31% from the field and 31% from behind the arc. TAMIU is shooting 66% from the free-throw line with Giger leading the team in makes, making 20 of 29.
THE HEARTLAND CONFERENCE TODAY:
With the loss of Oklahoma Panhandle State, the Heartland Conference is down to eight Women's Basketball programs for the 2017-18 season. A pair of teams sit atop the standings with undefeated records. Lubbock Christian (3-0) and Newman (4-0) sit atop three teams with a 2-1 record. Rogers State, St. Edward's, and Arkansas-Fort Smith all sit at 2-1 overall. St. Mary's, TAMIU, and Oklahoma Christian all look for their first win in the second weekend of play.
UP NEXT:
The Dustdevils won't have to wait long to face the Javelinas for a second time this season. The teams will square off in Kingsville, Texas at 7pm on Tuesday, November 21.
STAY TUNED:
Stay up to date with the Dustdevils all season long by liking or following @TAMIUAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.
