DENVER, CO — Western New Mexico University (0-5, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (2-3, 0-0 RMAC), 87-52, at the Auraria Events Center, with the Mountain Lions leading from start to finish. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, committing 23, while UCCS capitalized with 22 points off those errors.

Western New Mexico opened the first quarter with a determined start, but faced challenges maintaining possession, committing seven turnovers. Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) contributed by scoring from the free-throw line at 7:11, helping to keep the scoring within reach. Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) added momentum with a layup at 5:08 and converted a three-point play at 3:50. Despite their efforts, the Mustangs trailed 27-11 at the end of the quarter.

Western New Mexico struggled to find momentum in the second quarter with limited scoring. Natalie Magallnes provided a spark with a 3-pointer at 1:37, but the team faced shooting difficulties, making only 2 of 12 baskets. The Mountain Lions maintained pressure with a strong defensive presence, leading to turnovers and fast-break opportunities. The quarter ended with UCCS extending their advantage to 49–18.

Western New Mexico found a spark midway through the third quarter with Brelee Nichols (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) converting a crucial tip-in at 6:28, followed by Nadia Randall's (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia High School) layup at 5:51, narrowing the Mountain Lions' lead. Despite a resilient effort, the Mustangs struggled to gain momentum, with Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) missing a 3-pointer and the Mountain Lions countering with strong defensive plays and fast breaks. The quarter concluded with UCCS ahead 69–33.

Western New Mexico made a fourth-quarter push, highlighted by Magallnes' layup at 8:19 and a three-pointer at 1:13, contributing to a total of 19 points in the period. The Mustangs also excelled in fast breaks, tallying 10 points in transition, which helped them outscore the Mountain Lions in this quarter. Despite their efforts, the gap established earlier by UCCS remained, and the game concluded with Western New Mexico falling short, 87-52.

Magallnes led the team with 14 points, converting 6 of 13 field goal attempts. Taylor contributed with 11 points, successfully making all three of her 3-point attempts. Angelina Khalaf (Porter, TX/Porter High School) added to the offensive effort by scoring eight points and converting all four of her free throw attempts. Nichols collected five rebounds, including four on the offensive end, and scored four points.

Ayianna Johnson led UCCS with 19 points, connecting on 7 of 9 field goals and 5 of 7 from the free-throw line. She also contributed defensively with three steals and one block, along with seven rebounds. Jayla Jackson-Allen added 16 points, making 8 of her 10 attempts from the field, and recorded two steals. Breelyn Robinson contributed eight points, hitting two 3-pointers and sinking 2 of 4 free throws, while also securing two steals and two assists. Rylie Ottmann facilitated the offense with five assists and chipped in three points with one steal.

The Mustangs hold an overall record of 0-5. The Mountain Lions stand at 2-3 overall.

Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will face Colorado State University Pueblo on Friday, Nov. 28. The game will be held in Pueblo, Colorado, with tipoff at 12 p.m. MT.
 

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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).