RICHARDSON, TX — The Mustangs (0-17, 0-11 Lone Star) fell 73-46 at the UTD Activity Center. Despite scoring 22 points in the paint, Western NM struggled with 20 turnovers, which the Comets turned into 20 points.

The game began with a competitive edge as Western New Mexico and the Comets traded leads in a close battle. Teeya Gordon's (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) two free throws at 3:55 gave the Mustangs a brief lead, pushing them ahead 8-5. As the first quarter wound down, the Comets managed to edge ahead, closing the quarter at 12-10.

In the second quarter, Western NM hit a rough patch, netting only three baskets from 13 attempts. Gordon provided a highlight with a layup at 7:53, thanks to an assist from Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School), closing the gap momentarily. Jacqueline Aguayo (Deming, NM/Deming High School) added a jumper at 6:34, but Texas-Dallas extended their lead to 23-18. A late 3-pointer by Nadia Randall (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia High School) offered some relief as the half ended with Texas-Dallas leading 26-18.

The third quarter saw Western New Mexico finding some rhythm. Gordon's layup at 8:10 contributed to their eight points in the paint, and Sapien hit a buzzer-beater to wrap up the quarter with 16 points. Despite these efforts, Texas-Dallas maintained their shooting prowess, outscoring the Mustangs 23-16, and leading 49-34 by quarter's end.

In the final quarter, the Mustangs couldn't close the gap as Texas-Dallas continued to dominate, especially from beyond the arc. Gordon fought hard, adding a layup at 1:59 and two free throws with just 2 seconds remaining, but it wasn't enough. The Comets' shooting sealed the game, ending with a 73-46 victory.

Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) led the Mustangs with 17 points, hitting 9 of 10 from the free throw line and grabbing four rebounds. Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) added nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Nadia Randall (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia High School) also chipped in nine points with a 3-pointer, and recorded two blocks and seven rebounds.

For the Comets, Kinley Mears led with 17 points, hitting 5 of 10 field goals and three treys, along with five steals. Addy Self added 11 points, two blocks, two steals, and five assists, while Anna Yellen hit four 3-pointers for 12 points and grabbed two steals.

Western NM holds a 0-17 record overall and 0-11 in the Lone Star conference. The Comets improved to 8-8 overall and 5-4 in conference play.

Up next, Western New Mexico will host Texas A&M - Kingsville on Thursday the 29th. Catch the game at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico, with a 5 p.m. tip-off.
 

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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).