Errors plague Dustdevils in final season loss

The women's basketball team had their last game of the 2006-2007 season on Feb. 24; this game also meant the end of seniors' Jermina Tomlinson, Vanessa Villarreal, and Lizzy Herrera's college basketball career.

The goal of the game was to improve the team's rebound and turnover rates according to Deryl Vincent, head coach.

"We need to improve the things that have affected us all year long, that is rebounding and turnovers," said Vincent.

The lady Dustdevils failed to achieve their goal and finished the game with 27 turnovers.

This was the third most turnovers by the Dustdevils this season, allowing the Blue Tigers to score 24 points from the turnovers. It allowed the opposing team to finish with 36 rebounds.

The Dustdevils also missed all nine of their 3-point attempts.

The game started with a strong performance by the Lincoln team. The Blue Tigers were playing aggressive basketball and dominated the entire first half by outscoring the Lady Dustdevils 41-36.

The second half continued in favor of the Blue Tigers until the Dustdevils tied the score at 49 with 13 minutes remaining in the game.

Both teams continued to interchange baskets and kept the game tied at 67 with 1:06 left.

It was TAMIU's ball with 25 seconds left. Fans expected a time-out for one last play.

"A time-out at that point in the game gives the other team an advantage by establishing a set defense; if we would've come down and ran our offense then we would've been okay, but we didn't," Vincent said.

Lincoln University scored a final basket with two seconds remaining and took the victory 69-67.

Though the lady Dustdevils ended their season with a loss, Vincent stated that they accomplished a lot this year.

"We were able to finish with a 9-6 record in conference; that is quite good when you are coming from an NAIA to an NCAA schedule," he said.

"As for the seniors, I think they did great tonight" said Vincent. "It will be hard to replace them, but I look forward to recruiting multi-dimensional athletes (like Tomlinson) that can enhance our program and allow us to become a better, more aggressive team."

Dustdevil Villarreal led all scorers with 29 points and also contributed 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Tomlinson had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Herrera had 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 7 assists.