DURANGO, Colo. ---Â The New Mexico Highlands women's basketball team built a double-digit halftime lead and held off Fort Lewis for a 54-51 victory Friday night at Whalen Gymnasium.
The Cowgirls (5-15, 2-12) led 23-12 after the first quarter and 32-19 at the half before Fort Lewis (2-17, 1-17) cut the lead to 43-33 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Skyhawks cut the NMHU lead to one twice in the final 15 seconds, but
Shania Johnson and
Maiah Rivas both drained free throws down the stretch to hold off FLC.
Jordyn Lewis led NMHU with 13 points before fouling out. Rivas had 11 points, four assists and three steals while
Desiree Forster had 10 points. Johnson led the team with nine rebounds.
The Cowgirls return to action Saturday at Western Colorado.