SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University women's basketball team forced 24 turnovers and held an edge on points in the paint, but it wouldn't be enough as Regis University, powered by 25 points from Bay'lee Purdy, claimed the 59-48 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory Friday night.

WNMU (6-9, 4-6 RMAC) claimed the second quarter and held a lead in the third quarter before RU (8-8, 6-4 RMAC) began making their move.

The Rangers came out firing behind 12 points by Purdy in the first quarter. The Lady Mustangs grabbed the lead at 9-8 on a three-pointer by Jada Grady (Louisville, KY/Seneca ) at the 4:28 mark. RU closed out the quarter strong to take a 14-11 lead.

Down by six near the midway point of the second quarter, Jade Botelho (Honolulu, HI/Iolani ) and Grady combined for five straight points to trim the deficit back to one at 25-24. Although WNMU never came back to reclaim the lead in the first half, Desiree Smith (Phoenix, AZ/Tolleson Union ) closed the half strong with a drive for the jumper in the paint at the buzzer leaving Regis with the 31-30 halftime lead.

WNMU dominated the second quarter on points in the paint with a 14-2 advantage.

Jordan Gutierrez (Albuquerque, NM/Valley ) hit a jumper to open the third quarter that had WNMU in front. The Rangers ballooned the lead to nine at the 4:26 mark of the quarter, but the Lady Mustangs started to work their way back into it.

With RU in front 46-39 heading into the fourth quarter, Smith started a quick 5-0 run with a jumper a minute in. Gutierrez then dialed long distance leaving it just a two-point game at 46-44.

That ended up being as close as the Lady Mustangs would get the rest of the way as Regis went on a 10-0 run to open a 56-44 lead with 4:24 to play.

Smith had another big game for WNMU going for 16 points and also dished out a team-high five assists. Gutierrez also reached double-figures with 10 points. Gutierrez and Deandra Williams (Rosenburg, TX/Terry ) each grabbed a team-best four rebounds.

Purdy was the story for the Rangers as she went 10-15 from the field to get her 25 points, she also hit 3-6 on three-pointers. Kaylie Rader pulled down 13 rebounds.

WNMU held the edge on points in the paint (26-22) and second-chance points (7-3).

Regis made 20-46 (44) from the field, going 7-14 (50) from three-point range. They added a 12-19 effort from the foul line. WNMU made 19-54 (35) from the field and went 3-14 (21) from three-point land. They added a 7-8 (88) effort from the charity stripe.

WNMU will close the weekend tomorrow night against Chadron State College with tip set for 5:30 p.m. The Eagles bested New Mexico Highlands, 85-67, earlier tonight.