SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (0-10) fell to West Texas A&M University (12-1), 84-50, at Drag's Court. The Lady Buffs, who were ranked number 8, capitalized with 51 bench points and maintained control throughout, leading after each quarter.

The game started with Western New Mexico taking an early lead as Naomi Kimble's (Animas, NM/Animas High School) free throw put the team on the scoreboard first. The Mustangs managed to maintain a competitive pace with a jumper from Natalie Magallnes and a three-pointer from Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School), leveling the score at 10–10 with 4:27 remaining. However, the Lady Buffs responded with a strong offensive run, scoring 11 unanswered points to close the quarter. The Mustangs trailed 21–11 at the end of the first quarter.

Western New Mexico struggled to shift momentum in the second quarter as West Texas A&M extended their lead. Despite a late-quarter 3-pointer by Magallnes, the Mustangs were unable to overcome the scoring pace set by their opponents. The Lady Buffs capitalized on defensive rebounds and turnovers, outscoring the Mustangs 21–12 in the quarter. The half concluded with the Lady Buffs leading 42–23.

Western New Mexico found a brief spark midway through the third quarter when Jacqueline Aguayo (Deming, NM/Deming High School) scored a jumper at 6:17, followed by a defensive steal by Magallnes shortly thereafter. Despite this effort, turnovers limited their ability to close the gap further. The Lady Buffs maintained their lead, scoring consistently in the paint and ending the quarter ahead 55–31. The quarter concluded with the Lady Buffs narrowly outscoring Western New Mexico 20–18, advancing the scoreboard to 62–41 in favor of the visitors.

Western New Mexico faced a challenging fourth quarter against the Lady Buffs, with the visitors extending their lead early on. Despite a 3-pointer by Magallnes at 8:03 and an aggressive effort in the paint, the Mustangs struggled to close the gap. The home team managed to score off fast breaks, highlighted by a layup from Aguayo at 3:34 following a steal, but could not sustain a consistent offensive push. The game concluded with the Lady Buffs securing a 22-point lead in the final quarter, ending with a score of 84-50.

Sapien scored 19 points, converting 6 of 14 field goals and sinking two 3-pointers. Magallnes added 13 points and recorded eight rebounds, with two 3-pointers. Kimble collected nine rebounds and contributed seven points. Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school) tallied seven rebounds and added one steal.

Kenadee Winfrey led the Lady Buffs with 12 points, making all four of her 3-point attempts and contributing five rebounds. Henley West dominated with 20 points, shooting 64.3% from the field, while adding six rebounds and two blocks. Taylor Haggan also made a significant impact with 14 points, converting 7 of 10 field goal attempts and grabbing seven rebounds, including five on the defensive end. Karley Motschenbacher excelled defensively, recording five steals and accumulating seven rebounds.

Western New Mexico holds a record of 0-10 overall and 0-4 in Lone Star competition. The Lady Buffs improve to 12-1 overall and 4-0 in the Lone Star standings.

In their next game, the Mustangs will host Eastern New Mexico at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico. The game is set for Sunday, Jan. 4 at 12 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).