SILVER CITY, N.M. — Western New Mexico (0-15, 0-9 Lone Star) took a tough 75-65 loss to Oklahoma Christian (7-10, 3-7 Lone Star) on Saturday, despite snagging nine steals and racking up 17 points off turnovers.
The Mustangs kicked off with strong momentum, using effective paint scoring and a couple of 3-pointers to build an early lead. Oklahoma Christian struggled with turnovers, giving up four in the first quarter. Western New Mexico held a shooting edge, hitting six of 17 shots and sinking two of three free throws. However, the Eagles' eight points from the line and 11 rebounds helped them claw back to tie the quarter at 16-16.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs hit a rough patch, making just two of 12 field goal attempts. They managed six points off turnovers but couldn't make it count in the paint, adding zero points there. Oklahoma Christian capitalized, knocking down three 3-pointers and outscoring Western New Mexico 15-6. At halftime, the Eagles led 31-22.
Western New Mexico bounced back in the third quarter, outscoring Oklahoma Christian 23-20 by pushing the pace with fast breaks and solid paint defense. The Mustangs nailed two 3-pointers and blocked two shots, showcasing a defensive grit that kept the Eagles in check. Despite Oklahoma Christian's nine rebounds and eight baskets, Western New Mexico stayed competitive with sharp shooting, going 10 of 17. Heading into the fourth, the Mustangs were down 51-45.
The Mustangs made an early fourth-quarter surge, briefly taking the lead with a 3-pointer by
Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) at 7:22, assisted by
Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School), putting them ahead 56-55.
Jordan Sapien's (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) defensive hustle, highlighted by two steals, added four points off turnovers, keeping the game tight. However, Oklahoma Christian's hot shooting, sinking 10 of 16 attempts with consistent paint scoring, allowed them to edge past Western NM 24-20 in the quarter, sealing a 75-65 victory.
Sapien led the charge for Western New Mexico with 25 points and seven assists, along with five steals on defense. Natalie Magallnes chipped in 15 points, including three 3-pointers, on 6-of-10 shooting.
Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school) shone on defense with four blocks and three steals. Gordon added 10 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Up next, the Mustangs will host Sul Ross State on Tuesday, Jan. 20 for the Pink-out Game. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Drag's Court in Silver City, NM.
