WICHITA FALLS, TX — Western New Mexico (1-25, 1-19 Lone Star) came up short against Midwestern State (9-17, 6-14 Lone Star), with a final score of 77-68 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Despite the loss, the Mustangs showed their prowess on the boards, out-rebounding their opponents with 52 total, but were hampered by 20 turnovers.
The game kicked off with both teams battling for dominance, but the WNMU Mustangs found their rhythm midway through the first quarter.
Brelee Nichols (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) and
Ema Rose (Anthony, TX/Gadsden High school) knocked down crucial shots to keep it close. A layup from
Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) at 4:17 shifted momentum, followed by
Teeya Gordon's (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) key offensive rebound and tip-in with just over a minute to go, tying the game. Gordon's free throw nudged the Mustangs ahead, and a clutch jumper from Rose with 14 seconds left secured a 19–17 lead to end the quarter.
The Mustangs regained their spark late in the second quarter, thanks to a 3-pointer from
WynterRose Sheka (Tohatchi, NM/Tohatchi High School) with 47 seconds remaining, giving them a 32-29 lead. Earlier, Gordon was instrumental with a layup and tip-in, helping maintain a slim advantage. Although Midwestern State briefly tied it up, the Mustangs edged ahead, closing the half with a 32-31 lead.
The third quarter proved challenging for Western NM, managing only eight points.
Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas High School) and Taylor chipped in with baskets, including Kimble's layup at 8:15 and Taylor's jumper at 7:34, which tied things at 36-36. However, turnovers and missed chances allowed Midwestern State to take control. A late 3-pointer by
Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) at 3:15 wasn't enough to close the gap, ending the quarter with Midwestern State up 51-40.
In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs made a valiant push, shooting efficiently and converting 9 of 13 shots. Despite early turnovers, including one by Dinwiddie leading to a Katy Greathouse steal, the Mustangs found their groove in the paint, racking up 12 inside points. Rose was pivotal with multiple layups, and Gordon added a key layup assisted by Taylor at 6:50.
Western NM improved their free throw shooting down the stretch, with Nichols and
Alexandra Gonzales (Elephant Butte, NM/Hot Springs HS) making key contributions. Despite a strong offensive surge, Midwestern State's consistent scoring, including a late 3-pointer by Taylor, held the Mustangs at bay. Western NM outscored Midwestern State 28-26 in the fourth, but the game concluded with a 77-68 victory for Midwestern State.
Gordon led the Mustangs with 17 points, hitting 7 of 9 free throws and grabbing nine rebounds. Rose added 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting with two assists. Kimble pulled down 15 rebounds, nine offensive, and chipped in four points. Taylor ended with 10 points, three assists, and a steal.
The Mustangs stand at 1-25 overall and 1-19 in Lone Star play, while Midwestern State improves to 9-17 overall and 6-14 in the Lone Star Conference.
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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).
