ODESSA, Texas (November 27, 2017) - The Texas A&M International University Women's Basketball team closes a three-game road trip on Monday when they take on UT-Permian Basin. The Dustdevils and Falcons are set to tip-off at 5:30pm.
THE DUSTDEVILS ENTERING PLAY:
The Dustdevils are coming into Monday's game after falling twice at the Pak-A-Sak WT Thanksgiving Classic in Canyon, Texas.
The Dustdevils opened the tournament against host, West Texas A&M who is ranked #5 in the nation. TAMIU would fall in the game 63-89.
Tournament play continued against Eastern New Mexico University where the Dustdevils fell 56-77, moving to 0-7 overall.
THE ALL-TIME SERIES:
The Dustdevils and Falcons have faced off 26 times historically. Monday's matchup will mark the 27th time the teams meet with the last matchup coming on November 15 in Laredo. The Dustdevils were defeated 58-69 in that game as the Falcons picked up the 12th win in the all-time series. Prior to Monday's matchup, TAMIU leads the all-time series 14-12.
SCOUTING THE FALCONS:
UTPB enters Monday's game with a 0-5 overall record. The Falcons have lost six straight, including an exhibition loss to Division I New Mexico State on November 14.
Of UTPB's five losses, three have come against Heartland Conference competition. UTPB has lost to St. Mary's (46-50), Lubbock Christian (34-72), and St. Edward's (49-81). The Falcons most recent game was the loss against SEU on November 20.
UTPB is averaging 53.6 points per game this season while allowing opponents to score 73.2 points per game. The Falcons are shooting 29.5% from the field (93-312) and 25.2% from behind the arc (29-115).
Khali Pippins-Tyron leads the Falcons in scoring with 83 points (16.6 PPG) through five games. Pippins-Tyron is shooting 40% from behind the arc (8-20) and 36% from the field (27-75).
Victoria Lopez controls the glass for UTPB, averaging five rebounds per game with a total of 25 rebounds this season.
On average, the Falcons have been outscored in every quarter this season with their biggest deficits coming in the second half. UTPB is outscored by 21 in the third quarter and 57 in the fourth quarter.
A LOOK AT THE DUSTDEVILS:
Through seven games this season, TAMIU averages 55.4 points per game with the Dustdevils best quarters coming in the second (104 points) and fourth (128 points).
TAMIU is shooting 32.4% from the field (129-398) and 27.7% from behind the arc (38-137). Jaden Gonzales leads the Dustdevils with 16 three-point field goals this season. Gonzales and Tantashea Giger have both recorded a game-high five made three-point field goals this season.
Giger leads the Dustdevils in scoring this season with 116 points, averaging 16.6 points per game.
Julia Hanni is the team leader in rebounds with 38 (5.4 RPG). Giger has picked up 34 boards this season and averages 4.9 per game.
Passionate Amukamara has been a defensive workhorse this season for TAMIU, leading the team with 14 steals and two blocked shots.
THE HEARTLAND CONFERENCE TODAY:
Lubbock Christian continues to hold the top spot in the Heartland Conference with seven wins. LCU (7-1) took their first loss of the season against #1 Ashland this past weekend. Arkansas-Fort Smith sits second with a 4-3 record while Newman holds the #3 spot with a 5-4 record. Rogers State stands as the last Heartland team at or above .500, posting a 3-3 record, holding the fourth spot. St. Edward's sits at 3-4 while St. Mary's is sixth at 2-6. TAMIU sits one spot behind Oklahoma Christian who posts a 1-5 overall record.
UP NEXT:
The Dustdevils return home for the first time in nearly two-weeks for the Courtyard Marriott Classic. Play in the Courtyard Marriot Classic begins on Thursday, November 30 when the Dustdevils host Arlington Baptist at 5pm.
STAY TUNED:
Stay up to date with the Dustdevils all season long by liking or following @TAMIUAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.
