LAREDO, Texas — Texas A&M International secured a narrow 57–55 win over St. Mary's (Texas) on Thursday evening at the KCB arena improving to 12-7 overall and 9-4 in Lone Star Conference play.

The Dustdevils led for more than 26 minutes and built their largest advantage of the night — a 10-point cushion — midway through the fourth quarter before holding off a late push by the Rattlers.

Jayden Smallwood paced TAMIU with 20 points, while Racheal Emmanuel recorded nine points and 10 rebounds. Taylor Jacobson added 11 points, and Jaela Wade chipped in five points, five turnovers forced, and three steals in a strong all-around effort.

TAMIU jumped out to a 12–7 lead after the first quarter and carried a 28–24 advantage into halftime. The game tightened in the third, with St. Mary's closing the period on a run to tie the contest at 41–41 heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Dustdevils responded with key baskets to regain control, stretching the lead to double digits before the Rattlers made one last push. TAMIU's defense held in the closing moments to secure the two-point conference victory.

TAMIU finished the night with a 24–22 edge in points in the paint and received 21 points from its bench. The Dustdevils also capitalized on 19 points off turnovers to help seal the win.

St. Mary's was led by Christin Callens with 12 points and Allie Garcia with 13.

Texas A&M International returns to action this weekend as conference play continues.

PLAYERS 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. Bridgette Tello, Junior, is a native of Laredo, Texas. She is the daughter of Rogelio and Cynthia and has seven siblings. She is pursuing her degree in Business Administration.

Jayden Smallwood and Bridgette Tello teamed up to lead the Dustdevils in their 57–55 conference victory. Smallwood paced all scorers with 20 points, adding three assists and two steals while delivering key baskets in the second half to help TAMIU build a late lead.

Tello provided a spark off the bench and delivered the biggest play of the night, scoring the game-winning basket in the closing moments. She finished with five points, two rebounds, and two steals, using her defensive pressure and energy to disrupt St. Mary's rhythm during critical stretches.

Together, the duo combined for 25 points and helped anchor the effort that secured TAMIU's narrow conference win.