AUSTIN, TX — Western New Mexico University (0-8, 0-2 Lone Star) fell to St. Edward's University (6-2, 2-0 Lone Star), 58-49, despite leading in the first half and forcing nine steals.

The game began with the Mustangs establishing an early presence in the paint, scoring six points inside. Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School) opened the scoring with a jumper assisted by Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) at 8:28. Despite turnovers and fouls, they managed to maintain composure, with Natalie Magallnes hitting a critical 3-pointer off a Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) assist at 3:15. Yvanna Villarreal (Las Cruces, NM/Organ Mountain High School) secured the lead with a late jumper at 0:37, giving the Mustangs a narrow 10–9 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Western surged ahead in the second quarter with a series of three-point shots, including two consecutive from Magallnes, giving them a 19-15 lead. A fast-break 3-pointer by Taylor at 5:34 further extended the advantage to 22-15. Despite a late 3-pointer by the Hilltoppers, Western maintained control, closing the quarter leading 26-23.

Western faced challenges in the third quarter as they struggled to maintain possession, committing a total of 10 turnovers. Despite these setbacks, they managed to keep the game within reach with a key layup from Sapien at 8:28, briefly tying the score at 28–28. St. Edward's, however, responded effectively, including a pair of 3-pointers from Kiana Bennett that widened their lead. With limited scoring opportunities, Western concluded the quarter trailing 40–34, after a last-second jumper from Magallnes.

In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs attempted to close the gap with a key 3-pointer by Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) at 9:19, followed by a free throw from Sapien, bringing the score to 38–43. Despite this effort, the Hilltoppers responded quickly, extending their lead with a series of successful buckets and free throws, making it challenging for Western to regain momentum.

The Mustangs showed resilience with Angelina Khalaf's (Porter, TX/Porter High School) layup at 1:59, assisted by Sapien, reducing the deficit. However, St. Edward's maintained control with effective free-throw shooting and defensive rebounds, ultimately sealing the victory. The game ended with the Hilltoppers securing a 58–49 win.

Magallnes scored 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Khalaf recorded 11 rebounds and added four steals. Sapien posted eight points and collected two steals. Dinwiddie finished with five points and one block.

Bennett led the charge for St. Edward's, scoring 20 points while converting 7 of 11 shots from the field, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. Suni Davis contributed 16 points, five made baskets, and three steals, though she fouled out. Kendall Beck dominated the boards with 17 rebounds, adding two blocks and two steals. Jasmyn Jackson provided a defensive presence with two blocks and eight rebounds. Ramsey Robledo added seven points and six rebounds while recording two steals.

The Mustangs are currently 0-8 overall and 0-2 in Lone Star competition. The Hilltoppers hold a 6-2 overall record and a 2-0 mark in Lone Star play.

Looking ahead, Western will travel to face New Mexico State University on Sunday, Dec. 14, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The matchup will tip-off at 5 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).