SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (0-9, 0-3 Lone Star) fell to the University of Texas at Dallas (5-5, 2-2 Lone Star), 76-44, as the visitors dominated the boards with a 47-28 rebounding advantage at Drag's Court.

The first quarter opened with Western New Mexico attempting to establish momentum, highlighted by Natalie Magallnes connecting on two 3-pointers, both assisted by Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School). Despite their efforts, the Mustangs struggled with shooting efficiency, going 4-for-15 from the field. Texas-Dallas countered effectively, led by Umi Otsuka's scoring, and capitalized on their opportunities to take an early edge. The home team found themselves trailing 25–12 at the end of the quarter.

Western New Mexico found a spark late in the second quarter with Angelina Khalaf (Porter, TX/Porter High School) contributing a key jumper at 9:00, assisted by Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School), and later sinking two free throws at 2:15. Yvanna Villarreal (Las Cruces, NM/Organ Mountain High School) hit a three-pointer with 44 seconds remaining, assisted by Sapien, and then assisted on a fast-break jumper by Sapien with 20 seconds left. However, Texas-Dallas maintained a steady lead throughout the quarter, ending on top with a score of 44-25 at halftime.

Western New Mexico faced a challenging third quarter as Texas-Dallas pulled ahead with a significant run. The Mustangs struggled offensively, shooting 3-for-18 from the field, with Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) managing to sink a fastbreak 3-pointer at the 3:07 mark, providing a brief spark. Villarreal and Magallnes also added points, but it was not enough to shift momentum. Texas-Dallas capitalized on their opportunities, expanding their lead, and the quarter ended with Western New Mexico trailing 63–34.

In the fourth quarter, Western New Mexico gained momentum with a series of key plays, including a layup by Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school) at 5:48, followed by a jumper from Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School) at 3:14. Defensive rebounds by Cadence Turnbow (Deming, NM/Deming High School) and others helped maintain their defensive stance. Despite these efforts, Texas-Dallas held a narrow 11-10 scoring advantage in the quarter. The game concluded with Texas-Dallas securing a 76-44 victory over the Mustangs.

Magallnes scored nine points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Villarreal added eight points and tallied one steal. Khalaf finished with seven points and posted one block. Rose contributed seven points and collected one steal.

Otsuka led the Comets with 18 points, making 8 of 9 field goal attempts and adding three steals. Sheridan Kavanagh contributed significantly with 13 points, converting 5 of 6 shots and securing eight rebounds. Danielle Oyakhire was a defensive presence, recording three blocks and collecting seven rebounds. Addy Self added 11 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Clara Paynter chipped in with 10 points, including two 3-pointers.

Western New Mexico stands at 0-9 overall and 0-3 in Lone Star Conference play. Texas-Dallas holds a 5-5 overall record and is 2-2 in Lone Star competition.

Up next for the Mustangs is a home matchup against West Texas A&M on Friday, Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. The game will take place at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico.
 

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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).