ODESSA, TX — The WNMU Mustangs (0-21, 0-15 Lone Star) faced a tough matchup against the University of Texas Permian Basin (13-9, 8-6 Lone Star), ultimately falling 71-60. Despite the loss, the Mustangs showed grit, particularly in the paint, racking up 34 points.

The game kicked off with a promising start for the Mustangs as Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) hit a jumper at 9:39, setting the pace early. Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) made her presence felt with a block and a layup, assisted by Brelee Nichols (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School), giving Western NM a 4-2 lead at 8:00. Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) kept the momentum going, tying the score at 10-10 with a layup at 3:14. Though turnovers plagued the Mustangs, they briefly reclaimed the lead with Taylor's fastbreak 3-pointer, assisted by Sapien, with just 22 seconds on the clock. The quarter closed with the Falcons edging ahead 16-15, thanks to a jumper from Ja'Nya Thomas.

Midway through the second quarter, the Mustangs took charge, highlighted by Gordon's layup at 4:50, pushing them into a 24-23 lead. Sapien added to the effort with a jumper at 4:21, extending their lead to 26-23. Despite a late surge from the Falcons, capped by Madison Walters' fast-break layup with six seconds left, the teams were locked at 28-28 going into halftime. The Mustangs outscored the Falcons 13-12 in the quarter, setting the stage for a competitive second half.

The third quarter proved challenging for the Mustangs as they struggled to maintain momentum. Gordon's layup at 5:38 cut the deficit to 37–32, but the Falcons held firm, building their lead with consistent long-range shooting. Despite efforts from Jacqueline Aguayo (Deming, NM/Deming High School) and Nichols with critical assists, the gap remained, and the quarter ended with the Falcons ahead 46–39.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Mustangs mounted a spirited push. Gordon's layup at 9:41 and Taylor's three-pointer at 8:44 brought Western NM within four, at 48–44. However, turnovers proved costly, and despite Sapien's steal and layup at 0:55, the Falcons' strong scoring in the paint, including a decisive layup by Crystal Jones at 1:37, secured their win. The game wrapped up with the Mustangs falling short, 71–60.

Taylor had 22 points, shooting 7 for 14 from the field, including four 3-pointers. Sapien added 12 points, five assists, and four steals, while Gordon was a powerhouse with 24 points, 13 rebounds (six offensive), and two blocks.

For the Falcons, Walters led with 13 points, three steals, and 12 rebounds, showcasing her all-around prowess. Juliet Esomchukwu was flawless from the free-throw line, contributing 13 points and five assists. Jones dominated the boards with 11 rebounds and eight points, and Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna added 11 points on efficient shooting, with two steals to her name.

The Mustangs, now 0-21 overall and 0-15 in the Lone Star Conference, will look to reset as they travel to face Sul Ross State on Thursday, Feb. 12. The game is set for 4:30 p.m. mountain time at the Pete P. Gallego Center in Alpine, 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).