Silver City, N.M.- Western New Mexico University Women’s basketball fell Friday night against Regis University 59-48. Offensively, Bay’lee Purdy led the way for Regis by coming away with 25 points and defensively, they were able to hold Western to only 18 points total in the second half.
The Rangers (8-8, 6-4 RMAC) took off to a quick start in the first quarter as they pushed their lead to 8-2 but would disappear a few possessions later when Jada Grady for the Mustangs (6-9, 4-6 RMAC) put in a three pointer that made the score 9-8.
Neither team would score for three minutes until Regis finally broke the drought on a layup that would also retake the lead 10-9.
With Regis in the lead 14-9, WNMU’s own Desiree Smith came through with a layup in the final seconds of the quarter that would end in a score of 14-11.
A minute in the second quarter, the Mustangs captured the lead 15-14 thanks to a My’Kale French layup but this lead would not last. Regis connected on three from beyond the arc and take the lead back 18-15.
With 4:46 left in the quarter, Grady again would hit a three point that brought WNMU to within one 25-24.
Smith again for the Mustangs would nail a jumper in the paint as time expired in the quarter which would make the deficit 31-30.
Western came out on top in field goals over Regis by hitting 46.4% (13-28) of their shots and 50% (2-4) in 3-pointers. Regis only hit 40% (10-25) in field goals and 50% in 3-pointers.
WNMU quickly took the lead in the third quarter thanks to a Jordan Gutierrez jumper to make the score 32-31, but two possession later Regis was able to connected on their own jumped and regain the lead 34-32.
Halfway through the quarter, Rangers caught momentum and went on a 9-0 run until Mustangs Deandra Williams knocked down a jumper that made the score 45-38. The quarter ended in Regis’s favor with them on top 46-39.
Starting off the fourth quarter, Gutierrez for Western would hit a three for downtown and cut the deficit to two, 46-44 but this was a close as they could get. Regis took control and went on a 10-0 run making the score 56-44. They would not look back as they closed the game with a win 59-48.
WNMU outgained RU points in the paint 26 to 22 and turnovers 24 to 21.
Overall Regis had the advantage in field goals, 20-46 (43.5%) and three point field goals, 7-14 (50%) while Western went 19-54 (35.2%) in field goals and 3-14 (21.4%) in three pointers.
Mustangs Smith came away with 16 points and five assists next to Gutierrez 10 points with four rebounds.
WNMU will be back in action Saturday at home as they take on Chardon State College with the game beginning at 5:30.
