Box Score Las Vegas, N.M. - The New Mexico Highlands University Women's Basketball team hosted the Chadron State College Eagles on Friday evening,1/18. Visiting Las Vegas, N.M., the Eagles were looking to improve their record. Just like the Eagles, the Cowgirls were desperate for a win, coming off of a seven-game losing streak. The Cowgirls would attempt to put the Eagles away in classic fashion, but despite the efforts of
Alyssa Lopez (22 points) the Cowgirls fell to the Eagles, 66-64. With the loss the Cowgirls, led by head coach Tiffany Darling, fall to a 3-8 record in the RMAC and 3-12 in overall play.
The Cowgirls played a very aggressive first half, but they could not put the game out of reach for the Chadron State Eagles. Although the Cowgirls led throughout the first half, it was the Eagles that scored the most points in the first half. When the buzzer sounded for halftime, the Eagles took a 32-31 lead into the locker-room.
In the beginning of the second half the Eagles struck first, but were unable to contain the Cowgirls' offense as their lead grew. In the middle of the second half, Cowgirl
Eboni Jacobs pushed the lead to nine points. Slowly but surely, the Eagles fought their way back into the game and had cut the lead to only one point (54-53) with 6:35 remaining. As time drew closer to expiration, the Eagles found themselves ahead of the Cowgirls (64-62) with 56 seconds remaining.
Alyssa Lopez, finding her way to the free throw line, made two free throws to tie the game as the final buzzer came nearer. Unfortunately, the Eagles also found themselves at the free-throw line, sealing the victory by two points (66-64).
Alyssa Lopez, the leading scorer for the Cowgirls, proved her leadership by displaying a valiant effort to keep her team in the game. The 81% free throw shooter pressured the Eagles with 12 attempted free throws (the most free-throws attempted by her in a game this season). Although she shot under her average, at 75% from the free-throw line in this game, those nine points benefitted the Cowgirls greatly, allowing them to compete until the very last second of regulation. Alyssa has proved throughout this year to be one of the best players in the RMAC.
The Cowgirls remain home for their next competition, 1/19, to host a conference match-up against Black Hills State University, in Las Vegas, N.M. The Yellow Jackets occupy ninth place in the RMAC with a 4-6 conference record and 5-9 in overall play. The game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
GO COWGIRLS!!!
