Box Score SILVER CITY, N.M. – Following a late 8-0 run to go into halftime ahead by six, the Western New Mexico University women's basketball team used that momentum on their way to defeating Angelo State University, 59-52, Wednesday night inside Drag's Court.



WNMU (3-2) held an early 8-5 lead on a jumper by Veronica Celaya (Chandler, AZ/Williams Field High School) at the 14:22 mark. ASU (5-4) would answer taking their largest lead of the night at 18-12 with six to play in the first half.


With the Belles still ahead by two with just under two to go before the break, RaTanya Newsome (Tucson, AZ/Tucson High School) started what would turn out to be an 8-0 run with a layup in transition. Ashley Mitchell (Fort Defiance, AZ/Window Rock High School) added to that a three-pointer and with the clock ticking down, Jordan Gutierrez (Albuquerque, NM/Valley High School) got loose in the corner and drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer giving the Lady Mustangs a 28-22 lead at halftime. WNMU fueled the comeback with their solid defense, as they held a 9-1 point spread on points off turnovers and 7-0 on second chance in the opening stanza.


The lead reached 12, 39-27, at the 13:19 mark on a layup by Stephanie Moore (Anton, TX/Anton High School).


ASU would have a late run, trimming the deficit to just five at 48-43 with seven minutes to go in the game. That would end up being as close as the Belles would get as WNMU would go on for the 59-52 victory.


Newsome led all-scorers going for 17 points making 6-of-8, including a 2-of-3 effort from downtown. She also added four assists and five steals in 32 minutes. Moore added 15 points and Mitchell 11. Mitchell and Moore both just missed out on double-doubles with Mitchell pulling down nine rebounds to eight for Moore.


The Lady Mustangs took advantage of points in the paint (26-16), points off turnovers (11-2) and second-chance points (9-4).


WNMU will open RMAC play this weekend when they will play at Colorado Mines on Friday at 5 p.m. in Golden.