ALPINE, TX — Western NM Mustangs (1-21, 1-15 Lone Star) pulled off a gritty win against Sul Ross State University (3-18, 2-13 Lone Star), 49-45. A defensive masterclass in the fourth quarter limited the Lobos to just five points, while forcing 19 turnovers and edging a 22-20 advantage in the paint.

Western NM kicked things off with a strategic game plan, drawing fouls and capitalizing at the free-throw line. Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) was pivotal early on, nailing free throws and a jumper to keep the game tight. Even as Sul Ross St. momentarily led, the Mustangs kept their cool. WynterRose Sheka (Tohatchi, NM/Tohatchi High School) broke through with a fast break layup, assisted by Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) at 3:56, helping Western NM knot the score. The first quarter ended with a 14–12 edge to the Mustangs, thanks to clutch free throws from Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) with 22 seconds left.

The second quarter saw Western NM struggle to find rhythm, with the Lobos taking charge. A brief rally came when Taylor hit a 3-pointer at 3:15, but the Mustangs still went into the half trailing 30-22, mustering only eight points to Sul Ross St.'s 18.

In the third, Western NM ramped up the pressure, forcing turnovers. Sapien's steal and layup at 7:53 cut the deficit. Although the Lobos extended their lead, Taylor's jumper and three-point play at 3:04 brought Western NM back into it. Gordon chipped in with layups, including a buzzer-beater at six seconds, but the Lobos kept the upper hand, leading 40-35 at the end of the third.

The Mustangs roared back in the fourth, dominating inside. Taylor and Sheka hit key jumpers, while Gordon was a powerhouse, snatching rebounds and scoring in the paint. Her layup with 1:03 left gave Western NM the edge. Sul Ross St. struggled against the Mustangs' tenacious defense, scoring only two field goals. Western NM sealed the deal, outscoring the Lobos 14–5 in the final quarter for a 49–45 victory.

Taylor had 16 points and three steals. Sapien added four points and four assists. Gordon posted an impressive 22 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. Sheka contributed four points and three rebounds.

For the Lobos, Victoria Aguayo scored 14 points, hitting 6 of 11 shots and snagging five steals. Itzel Caro chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds. Emma Schumacher was active on the boards with nine rebounds and three steals, while Leslie Mojica added two blocks and four rebounds before fouling out.

Next up, the Mustangs take on St. Edward's on Thursday, Feb. 19. Tip-off is at 5 p.m. at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico.
 

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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).