EL PASO, TX — Western New Mexico University fell to the University of Texas at El Paso, 81-56, at the Don Haskins Center, despite recording six blocks and six steals.
Western NM began the first quarter with a focus on maintaining pace, managing to keep the game competitive despite trailing.
Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) connected on a jumper early in the quarter, assisted by
Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school), bringing the score to 4-2. Western NM then narrowed the gap with a three-pointer from
Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) at 3:09, reducing UTEP's lead to 12-10. However, the Miners maintained a slight advantage, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities to extend their lead. Despite a late surge from Rose, who added four points in the final 90 seconds, Western NM trailed 19-14 at the end of the quarter.
Western NM showcased a strong start to the second quarter, leveling the score at 23–23 with a series of successful plays.
Brelee Nichols' (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) three-pointer at 6:39, assisted by Sapien, initiated the scoring surge. This was followed by Natalie Magallnes' layup in transition at 6:16, also assisted by Sapien, contributing to the momentum shift. Dinwiddie then tied the game with a layup at 5:52, assisted by Nichols. Despite these efforts, UTEP responded effectively, reclaiming the lead with a late run. Western NM faced challenges in maintaining their momentum, with key defensive rebounds by the Miners and successful fast-break conversions. The quarter concluded with Western NM trailing, and the score stood at 39–27 in favor of UTEP.
Western NM struggled to find its rhythm in the third quarter, facing a strong defensive effort from UTEP that forced eight turnovers. Despite this, they managed to make some headway with contributions from Rose, who scored on a layup, and Sapien, who added a layup and converted three free throws, closing the gap to 56-34 at one point. The quarter ended with Western NM trailing UTEP, 61-39.
Western NM made a push in the final quarter with Rose scoring a layup at 8:05 and Magallnes adding a 3-pointer at 6:24, narrowing the deficit. Despite these efforts, UTEP maintained control, leveraging second-chance opportunities and bench contributions to sustain their lead. As the clock wound down, Western NM continued to fight, with
Cadence Turnbow (Deming, NM/Deming High School) hitting a 3-pointer at 1:06, but the game concluded with UTEP securing an 81-56 victory.
The game began with the Miners taking an early lead as Ndack Mbengue scored a layup just seven seconds into the quarter. The Mustangs responded with a jumper by Dinwiddie assisted by Rose at 8:43, but UTEP maintained control. The Miners extended their lead to 12-7 thanks to a pair of free throws from Mbengue at the 4:08 mark. Western NM closed the gap with a three-pointer from Sapien with 3:09 remaining, bringing the score to 12-10. Despite a late fast-break jumper by Rose, the Miners finished the quarter ahead, 19-14, with Heaven Samayoa-Mathis contributing a late three-pointer.
In the second quarter, UTEP outscored the Mustangs 20-13 to extend their lead. UTEP's Mary Moses Amaniyo made a significant impact with a layup at 8:52, contributing to the home team's momentum. The Mustangs responded with a fast-break layup by Magallnes, assisted by Sapien, narrowing the gap to two points at 6:16. However, the Miners regained control, highlighted by Ivane Tensaie's three-pointer at 1:25, assisted by Samayoa-Mathis, pushing the score to 36-27. UTEP's offensive pressure continued as Tensaie closed the quarter with a jumper, sealing a 39-27 lead.
UTEP dominated the third quarter, opening with a 14-0 run fueled by Amaniyo's scoring under the basket. By 8:37, the Miners had extended their lead to 45-27 with a layup from Sirviva Legions, assisted by Portia Adams. Western NM struggled with turnovers, committing eight in the quarter, which UTEP capitalized on with fast breaks, including a layup by Legions at 4:54. The home team concluded the quarter ahead, 56-34, with Irene Asensio's three-pointer increasing their advantage.
UTEP maintained control throughout the fourth quarter to secure a decisive 81-56 victory over the Mustangs. Asensio contributed significantly with a fast-break jumper at 9:24 and a three-pointer at 7:24, helping UTEP extend their lead. Rose responded for the Mustangs with a layup at 8:05 and a free throw at 7:08, but it was not enough to close the gap. Despite Western NM's efforts, including a three-pointer by Turnbow at 1:06, UTEP's offensive consistency proved too strong. Aaliyah Davis capped off the scoring with a jumper at 0:20, solidifying UTEP's winning margin.
Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School) contributed three points and led the team with two blocks. Sapien posted 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded four assists. Rose scored nine points and matched Kimble with two blocks while adding four rebounds. Magallnes added six points and recorded two steals.
Sirviva Legions led with 10 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field, and added nine rebounds and two steals. Samayoa-Mathis contributed 11 points, hitting 5 of 13 shots, and collected seven rebounds with three assists. Amaniyo scored 12 points, securing 12 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass. Mbengue also grabbed 12 rebounds, with nine coming from the offensive end, alongside two steals. Adams facilitated the offense with five assists, adding eight points to the stat sheet.
Western NM holds an overall record of 0-0. UTEP currently stands at 3-0 overall.
Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will face Fort Lewis College on Thursday, Nov. 13 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The matchup is set for 6 p.m.
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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).
