DENTON, TX — The WNMU Mustangs (0-13, 0-7 Lone Star) battled hard but fell to Texas Woman's University (13-1, 7-0 Lone Star) with a final score of 79-64. Despite the setback, the Mustangs showed grit, snagging 21 offensive rebounds and chalking up 13 second-chance points. The Pioneers, however, took charge with 20 assists and a commanding 38 points in the paint.

The Mustangs kicked off the game on a high note, with a tight defensive stand that led to an early steal and a 3-pointer from Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) at 8:54, securing an early lead. Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) was pivotal, adding a layup and two crucial steals, keeping the Mustangs in the fight even as Texas Woman's made brief advances.

As the first quarter rolled on, the Mustangs kept the pressure on. Sapien nailed another 3-pointer at 1:51, keeping the score tight. The quarter wrapped up with Western trailing by a whisker, 18-17.

The second quarter proved challenging for Western's offense, hitting just 3 of 16 from the field. Nevertheless, they hustled on the boards, snagging 10 rebounds with Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School) making her presence felt on the offensive glass, creating second-chance plays. Sapien chipped in with a couple of key baskets, including a jumper near the quarter's end, yet Western found themselves behind 41-25 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Western New Mexico found a spark midway through with a 7–0 rally. Natalie Magallnes drilled a three-pointer at 7:16, and Gordon followed up with a jumper at 6:36. Still, the Pioneers answered back, maintaining their lead by capitalizing on six Western turnovers. Sapien's 3-pointer at 3:11 wasn't enough to close the gap, as Texas Woman's wrapped the quarter up leading 66–41. The Pioneers kept control to the end, sealing their win.

The Mustangs didn't go quietly, surging in the fourth quarter with a 23-point burst. Sapien was instrumental, hitting a 3-pointer in the first minute and continuing to disrupt with key steals and baskets, including a fast-break layup at 2:46. Magallnes fueled the offense with an early quarter 3-pointer and a layup in the final minute. Despite their valiant efforts, the Pioneers held firm, clinching the game 79-64.

Sapien lit up the scoreboard with 30 points, including five 3-pointers, and snagged four steals. Kimble dominated the boards with 15 rebounds, 11 of those offensive. Gordon added 14 points and two steals. Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) chipped in five points and three rebounds.

For Texas Woman's, Averee Kleinhans led the charge with 16 points, hitting 6 of 11 from the field and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc. Gabby Elliott was a force on the boards with nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Kayla Glover orchestrated the offense with seven assists and four rebounds. Jaylee Moss added nine points, all from deep, converting 3 of 6 attempts. Julie Kasonga was efficient with 10 points on 5 of 6 shooting, adding four rebounds.

Western New Mexico holds a 0-13 overall record and 0-7 in Lone Star play. The Pioneers stand strong at 13-1 overall and 7-0 in the conference.

Next up, the Mustangs will take on Cameron University on Thursday, Jan. 15 in Silver City, New Mexico. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. as they aim for a home-court victory.
 

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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).