Silver City, NM - The Western New Mexico University Women's Basketball took on instate NAIA University of the Southwest (USW), defeating them 70-54. The Mustangs are now 4-4 and .500 on the year. 

WNMU's Zyan Smith (Queen Creek, AZ/Mesquite High School ) and Olivia Lee (Peoria, AZ/Cactus HS) had a double-double. Smith had 15pts and 10 rebounds and O. Lee also had 13pts with 12 rebounds.

"Olivia is a very talented player that continues to get better everyday," Said Head Coach Josh Pace. "She defends multiple positions and is still developing…Tonight it showed what she is capable of."

WNMU had 8 players score the ball on the night.Outside of Smith and O. Lee, Myla Lee (Glendale, AZ/Cactus HS) also scored in the double-figures. M. Lee ended the night with 15pts.

"Zyan is a versatile player. We need her to be aggressive but also make plays for her teammates," said Pace. "She plays multiple positions and will continue to get better."

The Mustangs shot 28-48 (41.2%) on the floor and were 4-12 (33.3%) from the three point line. Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) had the hot hand behind the arc, going (3-4) and ending her night with 9pts.

The Mustangs rebounded exceptionally well, rebounding 40 compared to USW's 31 rebounds. WNMU would score 19pts off of second chance points.

WNMU took care of the ball tonight, having a season low 11 turnovers. They would also force 15 turnovers, converting 14 points off them.

WNMU went into the half leading 33-23. USW shot 31% in the first half and was 30%  for three point attempts. WNMU was 37% on the field and was (2-4) from three.

Most of WNMU's 70pts came from inside the paint scoring 40pts. The bench had a good game as well, led by M. Lee. The bench would score 37pts.  

USW had three girls score in double-figures as well. Isabel Rodrigiez led the team with 17pts, Harlei Haceesa had 15pts, and Abigail Olivas bucketed 10pts.

PLAYERS TO HIGHLIGHT:

Z. Smith: 15pts 10 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk

O. Lee: 13pts, 12 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk

M. Lee: 15pts, 1 reb, 1 stl

"We have had some tough games against high quality opponents," said Pace. "It will make us better and prepare us for conference play. We are still learning how to win and be consistent but we are making steps forward."

The Mustangs will next play in 2022, playing on Friday, January 7th against Texas A&M Kingsville at 5:30pm!

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!  

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 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter &