LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International women's basketball snapped a three-game skid without the help of two starters, toppling Oklahoma Christian 81-75 in Lone Star Conference play.
 
The first quarter was even over the opening seven minutes, as the Dustdevils (11-4, 2-2 LSC) and Eagles (0-11, 0-3 LSC) sat tied at 10-10.
 
Oklahoma Christian, despite playing its first game in 17 days jumped ahead with an 11-4 run over the remainder of the period to lead 21-14.
 
TAMIU saw the deficit grow to 25-14 in the early stages of the second quarter, and the lead trimmed momentarily until it grew to double digits at 29-19 with 5:01 remaining.
 
From there, the Dustdevils closed the quarter with a 12-4 run, including a buzzer-beater three by sophomore Clara Fernandez to go into the break down just 33-31.
 
TAMIU took the lead just 11 seconds in the third quarter and never relinquished it from there. The Dustdevils went on to outscore the Eagles 27-23 in the third and 23-19 in the fourth quarter to bring home a much needed LSC victory.
 
TAMIU in the win shot 25-for-60 (41.7%) from the floor and 6-for-19 (31.6%) from deep. The biggest stat of the night was the free-throw line. Where the Dustdevils have struggled, they buckled down to go 25-for-31 in the contest.
 
On the other side, Oklahoma Christian shot 28-for-68 (41.2%) from the floor, but were 7-for-34 from three (20.6%) and made 12 of 17 free-throw attempts.
 
Four Dustdevils scored in double figures with Fernandez leading the charge with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals.
 
Sophomore Rai Brown followed with 18 points and eight rebounds, while freshman forward Sophia Haberer chipped in 14 points and three rebounds off the bench.
 
Freshman Evelyn Quiroz had the best game of her freshman campaign, earning her first career double-double and falling a rebound shy of a triple-double, with 15 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists.
 
Freshman Audry Hornaday was a defensive force, scoring six points alongside five rebounds and six steals.
 
TAMIU now looks to turn the victory into a streak, when they welcome UAFS to the KCB on Saturday, Jan. 22. Opening tip is scheduled for 1 p.m.