LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International women's basketball overcame a difficult shooting day to defeat visiting New Mexico Highlands 67-53.
 
It was an even first half as the two teams stayed tied after the opening 10 minutes, 16-16.
 
In the second quarter, the Dustdevils (2-0, 0-0 LSC) charged ahead, outscoring the Cowgirls (1-3, 0-0 RMAC) 19-7. TAMIU didn't allow the opposition to make a shot from the field in the second quarter, but the woes were on the side of the Dustdevils as well.
TAMIU did shoot 12-26 in the first half, just under 50%, but were 0-10 from three and 11-23 from the free throw line.
 
New Mexico Highlands started hot in the third quarter, erasing the 35-23 Dustdevil lead with a 12-0 run in the first two minutes. The Cowgirls outscored TAMIU 21-10 in the quarter to trail 45-44 going into the fourth.
 
New Mexico Highlands would take the lead in the early stages of the fourth, but the Cowgirls shooting woes returned and the Dustdevils pressure defense forced timely turnovers, as TAMIU outscored New Mexico Highlands 22-9 in the final frame, including 20-4 over the last 7:47.
 
The Dustdevils would finish the game shooting 41.8% (23-55) from the floor, but 1-18 from three and 20-39 from the free throw line.
 
The Cowgirls were stifled for the most part by the TAMIU defense, shooting 31.4% (16-51), 22.2% (6-27) from deep and 65.2% (15-23) from the charity stripe.
 
Sophomore Rai Brown once again led the Dustdevils with 23 points (10-15 shooting) and seven rebounds. Sophomore Emily Swiercz followed with 12 points, three assists and four steals, while senior Eva Langton scored 10 points and reeled in eight rebounds.
 
Sophomore Clara Fernandez was an all-around contributor, scoring seven points alongside 13 rebounds, three assists and four stelas.
 
TAMIU is off to its first 2-0 start to a season since 2014-15 and look to make it 3-0 when they take the floor for a Thanksgiving Day matinee, when the Dustdevils host Saint Martin's at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 25.