LAREDO, Texas – The perfect start to the 2021-22 season came to an end on Thanksgiving Day as the Saints fell to Texas A&M International 91-82.
 
Reigning GNAC Player of the Week Claire Dingus put up her second 30-point game of the season, leading the Saints (5-1) offensively. There was no shortage of offense all game by either side, as the Saints' 82 points were a season high. However, Texas A&M International (3-0) was able to outpace the Saints on 61.5 percent shooting from the field.
 
In the opening three minutes, neither side missed from the field, as the Saints led 12-10 to open the game. Just a few possessions later, TAMI took the lead on a 3-pointer, and never looked back. The Saints were unable to tie the game for the rest of the action.
 
The Saints cut the lead down to just three two minutes into the action in the second quarter. But baskets from TAMI's Emily Swiercz, who finished with 16 points, but the Dustdevils back on top by nine.
 
Saint Martin's made runs throughout the remainder of the game but were never able to fully comeback. The Saints trimmed the lead to as little as six in the second half before TAMI responded back with runs of their own. The Dustdevils iced the game at the free throw in the final minutes to end the Saints' perfect start.
 
GNAC action begins on December 2, with the Saints returning home to host Alaska Anchorage at 5:15 PM. Live stats and video of the game will be available on smusaints.com.
 
A Look Into The Numbers:

• Dingus' 30 points are second best in her career after last week's 32-point performance
• Tierney DeDonatis recorded her second straight 10+ point game, finishing with 14
• Six Saints finished with 7 or more points
• Saint Martin's shot 26-for-60 (43.3 percent) from the field