The NMHU Cowgirls came ever so close to winning their second Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game before losing by one point, 61-60, to the Thunderwolves from Colorado State University-Pueblo in the final five seconds of the game on 12/18. The Cowgirls struggled in the first half shooting 33% from the field. The Cowgirls would trail at the half 29-25. The Cowgirls came out quickly in the second half tying the score in the last two minutes of play. The Cowgirls continued to dominate the second half of play, allowing the Thunderwolves to tie the score for the first time in the second half with six minutes left in the game. The Thunderwolves played a furious last two minutes tying the game with five seconds left on a layup that incurred a foul allowing CSU-Pueblo to make a free-throw to go up by one point. Despite a valiant second half effort by the Cowgirls, the Thunderwolves were able to squeak out the victory in the final seconds. The loss drops the Cowgirls record to 4-8 overall and 1-5 in RMAC play.
The Cowgirls received their second half offensive spark from guards
Alyssa Lopez and
Whitley Coca. Freshman
Alyssa Lopez was the top scorer for the Cowgirls with 16 points off the bench in 31 minutes of play. Lopez added five rebounds, one block, one assist and a steal while shooting an outstanding 50% from the field to complete her night. The freshman was on fire in the second half of play, cutting to the hoop on numerous occasions to carve up the Thunderwolves defense. Junior
Briana Gholston scored 15 points on the night with eight rebounds, three assists and a steal from 30 minutes of play. Sophomore guard
Whitley Coca had 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal in her 38 minutes of play. Guards Lopez and Coca found chemistry in the second half to lead the Cowgirls furious assault on the Thunderwolves defense, coming close to capturing the win before the Cowgirls succumbed to the final free-throw with Gholston missing a last second desperation shot as time expired.
Cowgirl Head Coach Tiffany Darling commented on the disappointing loss saying, “Our girls played hard, we just didn't hit clutch free throws down the stretch. This young group has proven they can compete with the best programs in the RMAC, we just have to learn how to finish games”. The Cowgirls continued to find their stride tonight and the young team can improve with this close loss in a strong showing as they progress in the season.
The Cowgirls receive a welcomed break for the holidays, returning to the hardwood to play on the road in Golden, Colo. against the Colorado School of Mines on 1/2. The Cowgirls will travel to face an Orediggers team that is 5-5 in overall play with a 1-4 RMAC record. Tip-off is set for 6:00 pm. If you can't make the trip to Golden, Colo. to watch your Cowgirls in action you can watch them LIVE on the America One Network. Click
HERE for more information on how you can watch your Cowgirls LIVE on the America One Network.
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HERE for Complete Stats
GO COWGIRLS!
