LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- The New Mexico Highlands women's basketball team used a strong defensive effort and jumped out to a 20-point, first-half lead as the Cowgirls cruised to a 67-42 victory over University of the Southwest on Saturday at Wilson Complex.
The Cowgirls (2-2) led 18-8 after one and 35-15 at the half after shooting 12-for-26 from the field while holding the Mustangs to less than 25 percent shooting at 6-for-28 to build a commanding lead.
The contest was tied 6-6 before NMHU went on a 12-2 run capped by a
Jordyn Lewis steal and basket with less than 10 seconds left in the first quarter to take an 18-8 lead. The lead remained at double figures the rest of the way as the lead grew to 20 points at the half, was cut to 14 points after three but increased to the final margin of victory of 25.
Lewis paced the Cowgirls with 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting (3-for-4 from 3-point range) to go along with two steals.
Allyah George just missed a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds while
Kish Chandler had 14 points and was a perfect 2-for-2 from 3-point range.
DeAvion Allen filled up the stat sheet with 10 rebounds, six steals, four assists and two blocks to go along with three points.
NMHU finished the game shooting 46.2 percent from the field (24-for-52) and from 3-point range (6-for-13) while also going 13-for-18 from the free-throw line. On the other end, USW shot 25.8 percent from the field, was just 2-for-23 from 3-point range and went 6-for-8 from the charity stripe.
The Cowgirls host a non-conference contest against Fort Lewis 2 p.m. Monday at Wilson Complex.
