BETHANY, Okla. — The Texas A&M International University women's basketball team mounted a determined fourth-quarter comeback Friday evening but ultimately fell to Southern Nazarene University, 89-83, at the Sawyer Center.
The Dustdevils (1-1) showcased a balanced offensive attack, with five players scoring in double figures, while Bright Eze anchored the defensive effort with a game-high three blocks and a team-high 14 rebounds. Despite trailing by as many as 17 points entering the final quarter, TAMIU outscored the Crimson Storm 26-15 over the final 10 minutes to make it a two-possession contest.
TAMIU opened the game with an impressive offensive performance, shooting 60% from the field in the first quarter. Carmen Morcillo provided an early spark, knocking down two 3-pointers within the opening three minutes to help keep the Dustdevils within striking distance. After falling behind 10-5, TAMIU responded with a 10-2 run, highlighted by baskets from Jah'Mareah Linville, Eze and Jaela Wade, to take a 15-12 advantage.
The Dustdevils continued to find offensive opportunities throughout the opening period, with Jaeda Wade connecting from beyond the arc and Linville scoring six points in the quarter. TAMIU carried a narrow 24-23 lead into the second quarter.
Southern Nazarene responded in the second period, using an efficient offensive performance to regain control. The Crimson Storm shot 61.1% from the field during the quarter, gradually building their advantage despite continued contributions from BriAnna McClinton and Eze. McClinton provided six points in the period, while Eze added four points and continued to make her presence felt on the glass.
A late 3-pointer from Southern Nazarene's Haddie Lindley extended the Crimson Storm's lead to nine before Jaela Wade connected on a jumper to send TAMIU into halftime trailing 47-40.
Coming out of the break, Southern Nazarene maintained its offensive momentum, shooting 59.1% from the field in the third quarter. The Crimson Storm capitalized on their interior opportunities, scoring 22 points in the paint during the period and extending their advantage to 74-57 entering the final 10 minutes.
Despite the deficit, the Dustdevils refused to back down.
TAMIU began its fourth-quarter comeback behind Kimora Carroll, who opened the period with a jumper before adding several key free throws. Eze contributed a layup midway through the quarter, while Abigail Martinez provided a significant offensive spark off the bench.
Martinez scored nine points during a stretch of less than four minutes, including a pair of jumpers, two free throws and a 3-pointer that trimmed Southern Nazarene's lead to 83-74 with 3:41 remaining.
The Dustdevils continued to apply pressure defensively and capitalize on offensive opportunities down the stretch. A 3-pointer from Jaeda Wade with 51 seconds remaining brought TAMIU within seven points, 86-79.
Carroll then delivered a crucial three-point play with 19 seconds remaining, converting a jumper through contact and completing the opportunity at the free-throw line to cut the deficit to 87-83. However, Southern Nazarene converted two late free throws to secure the 89-83 victory.
Carroll led the Dustdevils with 14 points off the bench, shooting 3-of-5 from the field while adding six rebounds, two assists and a steal in 19 minutes of action. McClinton followed with 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Martinez finished with 12 points, connecting on four of her six field-goal attempts.
Linville added 11 points and a team-high four assists, while Eze delivered a strong all-around performance with eight points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and two assists.
TAMIU finished the contest shooting 47.6% from the field (30-of-63), including five 3-pointers, while recording 36 points in the paint and 24 fast-break points. The Dustdevils also received 38 points from their bench, outscoring Southern Nazarene's reserves by one point.
Defensively, TAMIU forced 17 turnovers and converted those opportunities into 17 points while recording nine steals. However, the Crimson Storm's efficiency around the basket proved difficult to overcome, as Southern Nazarene finished with 58 points in the paint and held a 45-32 rebounding advantage.
Southern Nazarene (1-0) was led by Nessa Begay, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Halyn Browning added 14 points. The Crimson Storm finished shooting 55.2% from the field and recorded 29 assists.
Despite the loss, the Dustdevils demonstrated their offensive depth and resilience, closing the contest with their highest-scoring quarter of the evening.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Kimora Carroll provided a significant offensive spark off the bench for the Dustdevils, leading the team with 14 points while adding six rebounds, two assists and a steal in just 19 minutes of action. Carroll shot 3-of-5 from the field and converted eight free throws, delivering nine points in the fourth quarter. Her late three-point play brought TAMIU within four points with 19 seconds remaining, highlighting her impact during the Dustdevils' comeback effort.
Carroll is a freshman guard for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. A native of Hitchcock, TX, Kimora is the daughter of Tamesha Ross and was born on October 1, 2007.
