ODESSA, Texas — Texas A&M International University saw a second-half lead slip away Saturday afternoon as UT Permian Basin closed the game on a strong fourth-quarter run to earn a 77–71 Lone Star Conference victory at the Falcon Dome.
The Dustdevils (2–5, 1–2 LSC) were locked in a back-and-forth battle throughout, leading by as many as nine points in the third quarter and carrying a 58–50 advantage into the final period. UT Permian Basin (6–4, 3–1 LSC), however, shot 66.7 percent from the field and knocked down five three-pointers in the fourth quarter to turn the tide.
Angelique Morgan led Texas A&M International with 17 points, going 5-of-7 from the free-throw line while adding four rebounds. Carmen Morcillo connected on four three-pointers and finished with 14 points, while Racheal Emmanuel added 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Aaliyah McMillan also scored 14 points, attacking the paint and getting to the foul line 10 times.
The Dustdevils and Falcons were tied 18–18 after the opening quarter before TAMIU edged ahead at halftime, 40–36, behind timely perimeter shooting and second-chance points. Texas A&M International extended the lead in the third quarter, outscoring UTPB 18–14 and building momentum heading into the final 10 minutes.
UT Permian Basin responded with a 27-point fourth quarter, sparked by Kenadi Rising and Madison Walters. Rising finished with 13 points and five assists, while Walters poured in a game-high 14 points off the bench, including a key three-pointer with 1:03 remaining that gave the Falcons a late 74–71 edge.
TAMIU had opportunities down the stretch but was unable to convert, as UTPB closed the game at the free-throw line to seal the win.
Texas A&M International finished with 23 second-chance points and 30 points in the paint, while UT Permian Basin held a 34–7 advantage in bench scoring.
The Dustdevils will continue Lone Star Conference play as they look to bounce back in their next contest.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Angelique Morgan, Senior, comes to Laredo from Killeen, TX. Morgan is the daughter of Marvin and Danielle Morgan. She has two older sisters, India and Aleeyah, and a younger brother, Roman. Morgan will be pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
Angelique Morgan is in the PLAYER SPOTLIGHT after leading the Dustdevils with 17 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting in 36 minutes. She consistently scored in the paint, drew contact to get to the free-throw line (5-of-7), and provided a steady presence throughout a tightly contested game.
Morgan also contributed four rebounds and two assists and was a key factor during TAMIU's third-quarter push when the Dustdevils built their largest lead of the afternoon. Her scoring efficiency and ability to generate offense when possessions tightened made her the standout performer for TAMIU in the 77–71 contest.
