SILVER CITY, NM. — Western New Mexico University (0-11, 0-5 Lone Star) fell to Eastern New Mexico University (9-4, 5-0 Lone Star), 98-58, at Drag's Court, with the Greyhounds capitalizing on 30 Mustang turnovers to score 41 points.

Western New Mexico began the first quarter managing to stay competitive with the Greyhounds despite early turnovers. A significant moment came when Jacqueline Aguayo (Deming, NM/Deming High School) hit a fast-break 3-pointer at 5:33, cutting into the Greyhounds' lead. Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) contributed with four points, including two free throws, to keep the Mustangs within reach. However, the Greyhounds capitalized on turnovers and maintained their lead, ending the quarter ahead 22–14.

The Mustangs struggled to find momentum in the second quarter, as the Greyhounds capitalized on turnovers to extend their lead. Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) made an early layup at 9:21, but the Mustangs faced challenges with turnovers, committing 11 in the quarter, which the Greyhounds effectively converted into points. Despite a strong defensive effort, including blocks by Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) and Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school), the Mustangs were unable to close the gap, ending the quarter trailing 52–22.

Western New Mexico saw a brief surge when Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) connected on a three-pointer at 8:17, narrowing the gap slightly. Despite this effort, the Greyhounds responded with consistent scoring, including a fast-break layup by Toyah Montgomery at 6:12, which further extended their lead. The quarter concluded with the Greyhounds leading 74–37, marking the end of the game with the Greyhounds securing the victory.

The Mustangs made a strong push in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Teeya Gordon's (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) performance with a tip-in basket and subsequent free throw at 7:27, narrowing the gap. Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school) contributed with a key jumper, assisted by Sapien, at 8:22, showcasing effective teamwork. However, the Greyhounds maintained their edge, capitalizing on turnovers and fast-break opportunities. The Mustangs' efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit, and the game concluded with the Greyhounds securing a 98-58 victory.

Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) scored 11 points and made three 3-pointers. Sapien recorded nine points and added six assists with three steals. Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School) collected six rebounds and tallied two steals. Rose blocked two shots and contributed four points.

Nataya Lockett delivered a perfect shooting performance, going 6-for-6 from the field, including one 3-pointer, and added two steals to her 13-point tally. Mekhila Brown led all scorers with 19 points, converting 8 of 10 shots and sinking both free-throw attempts, while also securing two steals. Julieta Ceja dominated the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring 10 points with two 3-pointers. Ashala Moseberry contributed 13 points, four steals, and three assists, showcasing a solid all-around effort. Aaliyah Smith facilitated the offense with seven assists and added three steals, despite committing six turnovers.

The Mustangs are now 0-11 overall and 0-5 in Lone Star competition. The Greyhounds hold a 9-4 overall record and are 5-0 in Lone Star play.

The next challenge for Western New Mexico comes on Thursday, Jan. 8 as they travel to face UT Tyler. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. at the Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler, Texas.
 

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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).