LAS VEGAS, N.M. Offensive struggles in the fourth quarter by Western Colorado led to them losing to New Mexico Highlands 49-54.
 
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: New Mexico Highlands def., Western Colorado 54-49.
Records: Western Colorado 4-10, 3-6 RMAC, New Mexico Highlands 11-7, 5-7 RMAC.
Location: John A. Wilson Complex; Las Vegas, N.M.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Things didn't start out well for Western Colorado - who scored the first points of the game on a Kylie Krise three-pointer. But, then gave up an 8-0 run to the Cowgirls.
• With 2:18 left in the first quarter the Mountaineers offense started to get going, Alyza Aikins making a three-pointer trimming the lead to 6-8. Then Emmery Wagstaff – after a made basket by New Mexico Highlands – sank a three-pointer of her own, trimming the Cowgirls lead to one-point.
• On Western's next possession Hayley Valencia gave the Mountaineers a 11-10 (0:47) lead. Then she increased that lead to 13-10 (0:29) making another two-point jumper.
• New Mexico Highlands tied the game at 13-points apiece to start the second quarter. However, Aikins and Wagstaff helped increase Western's lead to 17-13, each making a basket. The Cowgirls battled back and with 3:54 left before halftime New Mexico Highlands tied the game at 22-points apiece.
• On the Mountaineers next possession, Mia Lozoya drained a three-pointer to increase the lead to 25-22. Before the quarter ended, the Cowgirls made a layup, cutting Western's lead to one-point.
• Up 25-24 to start the third quarter, Western scored the first eight-points of the quarter on three-points from Seymour and Lozoya and two-points from Aikins – giving the Mountaineers a 33-24 lead.
• New Mexico Highlands finally got on the board with 4:24 on the clock. But, Western's run continued as Wagstaff sunk a three-pointer leading to the Mountaineers having a 36-26 lead.
• The Cowgirls got within five-points of the lead with 2:09 left. Yet, Western was able to increase their lead to eight-points briefly – New Mexico Highlands sinking a free throw with 10 seconds left - on two Wagstaff made free throws.
• The Mountaineers offense was cold to start the fourth quarter – only scoring three-points - allowing the Cowgirls to cut Western's lead to 44-43, with 6:28 remaining in the game. At the 5:31 mark of the quarter, Wagstaff knocked down a three-pointer and then Valencia made a layup with 4:11 on the clock, increasing their lead to 48-43.
• New Mexico Highlands continued to fight and managed to tie the game, 49-49, making two free throws with 1:28 left to play. 19 seconds later, the Cowgirls took a 51-49 lead and then extended the lead to 52-49 – making one free throw with 25 seconds remaining.
• Western had one final opportunity to tie the game. However, were unable to sink the shot.

COURT NOTES

• Wagstaff led the Mountaineers in several categories, recording a team high; 16-points, 12 rebounds and three steals. She also had two blocks. Lozoya and Aikins were the next highest scorers, pitching in with eight and seven-points.
• As a whole, Western shot 33.3 percent (17-of-51) from the field, 28.6 percent (8-of-28) from three and 41.2 percent (7-of-17) from the free throw line. The Mountaineers 10 missed free throws ended up being a key factor in the loss.
• New Mexico Highlands had two players in double figures, Juliana Aragon who scored 17-points and Krystina Hagood dropping 12-points. The Cowgirls shot 32.7 percent (18-of-55) from the field, 28 percent (7-of-25) from three and 78.6 percent (11-of-14) from the free throw line.

UP NEXT
Western will be back on the court tomorrow (Jan. 14) taking on CSU Pueblo at 5:30 p.m.