Silver City, NM- Points off turnovers was the key for the Western New Mexico University women’s basketball team Saturday afternoon. They took on Western State Colorado University (3-2) and was outgained by the Mustangs 20-9 in points off turnovers which helped them with the win 62-55.
With the Mustangs (4-4) down 5-4 in the first quarter, they triggered some momentum and scored eight points in row thanks to Jordan Gutierrez’s (Albuquerque, NM/Valley) layup and back-to-back three pointers from Jada Grady (Louisville, KY/Seneca) that made gave the Mustangs the lead, 12-5. WNMU kept WSCU on their heels when their lead increased to 18-7 after a quick fast break layup made by Desiree Smith (Phoenix, AZ/Tolleson Union). The quarter ended with the lead in favor of Western New Mexico University, 18-11.
Throughout the second quarter, both teams would exchange points. About halfway through the quarter, the Mustangs stretched the lead to 27-16 when My’Kale French (Racine, WI/Case) hit a free throw shot but the Mountaineers would climb their way back to four towards the end of quarter with a three pointer from behind the arc and a layup which would end the half, Mustangs up 34-30.
Even though WSCU held an advantage in field goal percentage 44.4% to 38.9%, WNMU outgained them in points off turnovers 13-5.
Starting the third quarter, the Mountaineers wasted no time to score by converting on a three point shot that brought them to within one, 34-33. A lay-up by Jade Botelho (Honolulu, HI/Iolani) and a jumper by Gutierrez answered back for the Mustangs that brought the lead back up to 38-33. With 4:14 left in the quarter, WSCU cut the deficit to one when they converted on a lay-up that made the score 38-37. WNMU’s Grady caught fire by making two straight three pointers that made the score 44-37. The Mustangs would maintain the lead at the end of the quarter 48-40.
The Mountaineers would inch their way back to two in the beginning of the fourth quarter, 48-46. This momentum would not last because the Mustangs would trigger their own streak and score seven points in a row and made the score 55-46. WSCU would fight their way back and nail a three pointer that made the score 55-51, but this would be as close as they could get as the WNMU would go on to win the game, 62-55.
The Mountaineers edged the Mustangs in field goal percentage 40% (22-55) to 36.5% (23-63). However, the Mustangs had the advantage in three point field goals 29.2% (7-24) to 27.8% (5-18) and in free throws 81.8% (9-11) to 66.7% (6-9).
For the Mustangs, Grady hit half of her three pointer shooting 5-10 and came up with two turnovers and Smith came away with five rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
The Western New Mexico University basketball are on the road this weekend, taking on South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Friday and Black Hills State University Saturday.
