The homestanding WNMU women's basketball team (6-20, 3-9) dropped their visiting HLC rival Montana State--Billings (18-8, 9-3) in overtime, 87-83 Saturday night in Silver City. The game proved to be a "barn-burner," resulting in eight ties and 11 lead changes.

WNMU's Natalie Lara lit up MSUB with 22 points and 8 assists, many with a razzle-dazzle effect. Senior Nichole Ruegsegger capped off her career at WNMU with a phenomonal performance, scoring 19 points, five straight coming in overtime to give WNMU the lead.

Other Lady 'Stangs in double-digits were fellow senior Sarah Bennetts with 11, Tannesia Manley 12, and Crystal Smith finishing with 14 points. Manley posted a double-double grabbing 10 rebounds. WNMU's defense proved to be solid forcing 18 turnovers, and notching 10 steals.

Michelle Lieber paced the Lady Yellowjackets going 8-13 from the field, 6-7 from the free-throw line, finishing with 22 points. She added 10 rebounds, pulling a double-double. Alira Carpenter scored 19, 7-19 FG, 3-7 from behind the arc, 2-2 from the charity stripe. She followed closely in rebounds, tallying seven boards. Tanya Petersen broke into double-digits with 10.

The Lady Mustangs recognized their seniors, Sarah Bennetts and Nichole Ruegsegger, and thanked them for their hard work, loyalty and dedication to WNMU athletics.

The win concludes the Lady Mustangs 2005-06 women's basketball season, and their streak in the Heartland Conference, as they will be moving into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference next season.