LUBBOCK, TX — Western NM (1-24, 1-18 Lone Star) faced a tough challenge against Lubbock Christian (22-6, 14-5 Lone Star), falling 73-54 in a Lone Star Conference clash at the Rip Griffin Center. The Mustangs grabbed 35 rebounds, with 14 on the offensive glass, but the Chaps seized the moment with 34 points in the paint.

The Mustangs kicked off the game with spirit, answering an early three from the Chaps as Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school) turned an offensive board into a layup at 7:38. Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) then drained a three at 6:08, assisted by Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School), putting Western NM ahead 7–6. The Chaps responded with a barrage of threes, pulling away as the quarter wound down. Despite energetic defense, including a block by Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School) at 6:24, the Mustangs ended the first quarter trailing 19–9.

In the second quarter, Western New Mexico fought back with key plays, including a three-pointer from Sapien at 8:04 and a layup by Brelee Nichols (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) at 2:28. However, turnovers haunted the Mustangs, with six in the quarter. Lubbock Christian capitalized on these errors, extending their lead to 36-24 by halftime.

The third quarter saw Western NM struggling to find their rhythm. Even with a pair of threes from Sapien, the Mustangs were outscored 23–14. The Chaps took advantage of turnovers and fast-breaks, widening the gap with sharp shooting. At the end of the third, the Mustangs were down 59–38.

In the fourth quarter, Western NM showed resilience, scoring 16 points. Sapien sparked the offense with a three at 7:06, assisted by Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School), followed by a layup and a steal, notching a personal six-point burst. Taylor added a crucial three at 3:32, keeping the Mustangs in the mix. Despite their efforts, the Chaps held their ground, finishing with a 73–54 win.

Sapien led the Mustangs with 19 points, knocking down four threes and snagging two steals. Taylor added 15 points, including two from downtown. Gordon chipped in 10 points, perfect from the free-throw line. Kimble contributed five rebounds and a block.

For the Chaps, Kyndle Cunningham was a force with 10 points, efficient shooting, two blocks, and seven rebounds. Tia Johnson added 12 points, a three-pointer, and three steals, anchoring the defense. Raegan Lee matched with 10 points, highlighted by two threes, along with three steals. Kennedy Chappell also scored 10 and was flawless at the free-throw line, adding a block and three rebounds.

Western NM stands at 1-24 overall and 1-18 in the Lone Star Conference. Lubbock Christian is 22-6 overall and 14-5 in the conference.

Up next, the Mustangs hit the road to face Midwestern State on Saturday, Feb. 28, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas, with a 12 p.m. MT 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).