DENVER, CO— Western New Mexico University (0-4, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to MSU Denver (1-4, 0-0 RMAC), 91-74, at the Auraria Events Center. The Mustangs led in rebounding, securing 48 boards, but committed 24 turnovers, which led to 34 points for their opponents.

The game started with both teams exchanging leads, as MSU Denver initially took control with a 7-0 run. The Mustangs responded with a strong effort in the paint, scoring 14 points inside and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Teeya Gordon's (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) layup at 8:37 cut the deficit, and Angelina Khalaf's (Porter, TX/Porter High School) layup and free throw at 5:47 brought the Mustangs within striking distance. Jordan Sapien's (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) layup at 1:38 briefly gave the Mustangs the lead, but MSU Denver regained the advantage, ending the first quarter ahead 20-18.

The Mustangs made a significant push in the second quarter, overcoming turnovers to outscore MSU Denver 25-24. Gordon initiated a strong performance in the paint, contributing crucial layups, while Natalie Magallnes added a pivotal 3-pointer at 2:27. The Mustangs closed the quarter on a 10-2 run, capped by a 3-pointer from Sapien with 40 seconds remaining, narrowing the gap to 44-43 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Mustangs momentarily regained the lead with a tip-in by Gordon at 9:38, pushing the score to 45–44. Despite this effort, the Mustangs struggled to maintain their advantage as MSU Denver responded with a series of scores, including a layup by Mikylah Espinosa at 7:32 that shifted the lead back to 48–45 in favor of MSU Denver. The Mustangs continued to fight back, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Magallnes at 3:06, narrowing the gap to 59–54. However, MSU Denver managed to hold on to their lead, ending the quarter 61–57.

The Mustangs attempted to rally in the fourth quarter with a series of strategic plays. Sapien sank two free throws at 8:15, narrowing the gap to 61-59. Later, Yvanna Villarreal (Las Cruces, NM/Organ Mountain High School) delivered a crucial 3-pointer at 2:28, bringing the score to 77-70. Despite these efforts, turnovers and a strong offensive performance by MSU Denver in the paint and on fast breaks widened the gap. The game ended with MSU Denver prevailing 91-74.

Gordon scored 19 points and recorded nine rebounds, adding two blocks to her performance. Khalaf tallied 13 points and converted all five of her free throw attempts. Sapien posted 12 points and contributed four assists while collecting seven rebounds. Magallnes added 11 points, including three successful 3-point attempts.

Sarah Nocke led the way for MSU Denver with 17 points, connecting on 5 of 6 shots from beyond the arc. She also contributed three steals and three rebounds. Jadyn Watts matched Nocke's scoring with 17 points, shooting 8-for-16 from the field, while collecting nine rebounds and swiping four steals. Espinosa added 12 points, five assists, and four steals, playing a key role on both ends of the court. Nevaeh Millard was perfect from the free-throw line, converting all seven attempts and finishing with 11 points.

Western NM is currently 0-4 overall. MSU Denver holds a 1-4 overall record.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 1pm MT. The Mustangs will travel to Denver, Colorado, for this matchup.
 

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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).