SILVER CITY, NM — The WNMU Mustangs (0-14, 0-8 Lone Star) were edged out by Cameron University (1-15, 1-7 Lone Star) in a 75-68 contest, following a commanding 30-point fourth quarter from the Aggies. The back-and-forth game saw three ties and four lead changes, underscoring the intense competition.

Western New Mexico opened strong in the paint, racking up 12 inside points to grab an early lead. Tess Taylor's (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) three-pointer at 6:50, courtesy of an assist from Natalie Magallnes, extended their advantage. Contributions from Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) with two layups and Ema Rose's (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school) critical rebounds helped the Mustangs maintain momentum. Despite a late charge by the Aggies, including Madison Griggs' buzzer-beater and free throw, the Mustangs held an 18-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter presented challenges for the Mustangs as the Aggies surged ahead with a series of 3-pointers, sparking a 9-2 run. WNMU struggled offensively, making just 3 of 17 attempts, but Sapien's six points from the free-throw line kept them in the game. Defensive efforts, highlighted by Teeya Gordon's (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) last-second block, saw the Mustangs trailing 36-30 by halftime.

In the third quarter, Western NM regained control with key plays, starting with Taylor's quick 3-pointer, assisted by Sapien. Fast-breaks and perimeter shooting, including another Taylor three at 8:04, swung the lead back to the Mustangs. Sapien's free throws at 7:08 capitalized on an Aggies turnover, and with help from Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) and Gordon, the Mustangs closed the quarter on a 24–9 run, ending with a 54–45 lead.

The final quarter saw a fierce response from Cameron, who tied the game with back-to-back threes. Despite a jumper from Sapien at 9:11, the Mustangs struggled to maintain momentum as Cameron's long-range shooting took over. Sapien's clutch 3-pointer at 6:31 briefly restored the lead, but a decisive push from Kloe Heidebrecht and Emmary Elizondo, capped by Heidebrecht's 3-pointer at 1:18, shifted the game. A late jumper from Gordon at 1:36 attempted to rally the Mustangs, but Cameron's free throws in the final minute sealed their 75-68 win.

Sapien led the Mustangs with an impressive 30 points, nailing all 12 of her free throw attempts and grabbing six rebounds. Taylor added 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Rose dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, nine defensively, while Gordon chipped in 10 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.

For Cameron, Mercedes Mancha led with 17 points, hitting 5 of 9 from deep and adding four assists. Heidebrecht matched her from beyond the arc, also scoring 15 points and securing eight rebounds. Griggs contributed 13 points and five assists, while Kennedy Price gathered seven rebounds alongside her six points and a steal.

The Mustangs, still seeking their first season win, will face Oklahoma Christian on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico, with tip-off at 12 p.m. MT.
 

 ***

 
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).