SILVER CITY, N.M. --- The New Mexico Highlands women's basketball team jumped out to a 37-22 halftime lead on Western New Mexico, but fell short to the Mustangs 65-61 Friday at Drag's Court in each team's season opener.
The score was tied 60-60 after NMHU'sÂ
Desiree Forster nailed a jumper with 1:42 left in the contest. WNMU's Destiney Johnson answered with a basket on a putback with 1:14 left before
Sana'a Baker split a pair of free throws to make it 62-61 Mustangs with 51 seconds remaining.
The Cowgirls had several chances, but couldn't convert and WNMU drained three free throws in the final minute to close the game.
NMHU took a big lead going into the half after outscoring WNMU 18-2 in the second quarter - holding the Mustangs to 1-for-14 shooting in the period (including 0-for-7 from 3-point range). But WNMUÂ outscored the Cowgirls 26-13 in the third and 17-11 in the fourth to pull away.
Jordyn Lewis led the Cowgirls with 17 points - going 3-for-9 from 3-point range. Baker had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while
Maiah Rivas had nine points, four assists, three steals and three rebounds.
NMHU returns to action 4 p.m. Saturday in Silver City against Eastern New Mexico.
