RICHARDSON, Texas — Texas A&M International used a dominant third quarter to pull away and secure a 61–53 road win over Texas-Dallas on Saturday afternoon at the UTD Activity Center.
After trailing 12–11 at the end of the first quarter, the Dustdevils (7–6, 4–3 LSC) steadily took control, outscoring the Comets 18–16 in the second quarter before breaking the game open with a 25–13 advantage in the third. TAMIU led by as many as 15 points midway through the fourth quarter and held UT Dallas off down the stretch to earn the eight-point victory.
Jayden Smallwood led TAMIU with 15 points, attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line throughout the afternoon. Smallwood finished 3-of-9 from the field and 9-of-14 at the stripe while adding three steals. Racheal Emmanuel chipped in 10 points and six rebounds, while Angelique Morgan added nine points and eight rebounds to anchor the interior for TAMIU.
The Dustdevils leaned on depth and hustle to separate themselves, holding a 31–13 advantage in bench points and winning the rebounding battle, 43–38. TAMIU also converted 22 free throws and scored 13 fast-break points, helping offset a cold shooting day from beyond the arc (1-of-11).
UT Dallas (6–7, 3–3 LSC) was led by Addy Self, who finished with 17 points and six rebounds, while Sheridan Kavanagh added seven points and seven rebounds. The Comets cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter but could not overcome TAMIU's third-quarter surge.
TAMIU returns to Lone Star Conference action next week as it continues its road stretch.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Jayden Smallwood, Junior, comes to Laredo from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Gene and Shannon and has four siblings. She is pursuing her degree in Kinesiology.
Smallwood delivered a complete performance to lead the Dustdevils to a 61–53 road win at UT Dallas. She finished with a game-high 15 points, attacking the basket and going 9-for-14 from the free-throw line, while also adding five assists and three steals. Smallwood's ability to create offense, pressure the ball defensively, and control tempo was especially critical during TAMIU's decisive third-quarter surge that put the game out of reach.
