Box Score Hobbs, N.M.- Behind a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference record-breaking performance by
China Smith, the NMHU Cowgirls Basketball team opened up their 2013-2014 season with a victory against the University of the Southwest on Saturday, Nov 9th, by the score of 74-36. The Cowgirls, led by Head Coach Tiffany Darling are now 1-0.
NMHU 74- University of the Southwest 37
The Cowgirls, despite shooting a cold 25% from the field on 8 for 32 field goal attempts, controlled the first half of play with a score of 34-19. The Cowgirls offense pounded the ball inside and used their size to get to the free throw line 21 times, shooting 14 of 21 from the charity stripe. Behind a strong defensive effort, anchored by Cowgirl Senior
China Smith, the Cowgirls took the lead heading into the half, 34-19.
The Cowgirls momentum continued into the second half of play. The Cowgirls defense turned it up a notch and forced Southwest to shoot a dismal 21% from the field, on 6 of 28 shooting in the half. The Cowgirls defense allowed only 17 points to be scored in the 2nd half. Coach Darling is still searching for more intensity and attention to detail on that end of the floor. "I thought at times we were in sync defensively and we rotated well. Other times, we had players still doing their own thing on screens and we were late to help on numerous occasions. This is the end of the floor that we will continue to work on and our players are committed to improving."
The Cowgirls offense came alive as the Cowgirls adjusted to the 2-3 zone they saw the entire 40 minutes. The Cowgirls shot an impressive 46% from the field, on 15 of 33 shooting in the half.
Jenny Johnson led the Cowgirls' arsenal as she hit 4 of 7 from behind the 3 point arc.
The Cowgirls defense forced 28 turnovers, recorded 15 steals, and outrebounded Southwest 58-29 on the evening.
China Smith led the rebounding attack for the Cowgirls. She set a RMAC individual game rebounding record by pulling down 28 rebounds, 14 on the offensive end. The previous record of 27 was held by Pam DeCosta from Mesa State since the 1984-85 season.
China Smith was one of three Cowgirls to score in double figures.
China Smith had a total of 25 points and five assists to go along with her 28 rebounds. Defensively, she had huge impact with two block shots and six steals.
Coach Darling on Smith's performance, "She has been practicing at a very high level. Her work rate has been through the roof. This performance is a byproduct of her newly adopted work ethic."
Jenny Johnson ended the game with a total of 14 points and 3 rebounds.
The Cowgirls point guard,
Giulia Simioni ended the game with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Cowgirls first home game is against the University of the Southwest, when they return the trip to the John A. Wilson Complex on Nov. 21st at 6pm.
GO COWGIRLS!!!
