One of the most successful seasons in the history of University of New Mexico (UNM) women’s basketball came to an end last week with a 78-73 loss at Oregon State University (OSU) in the third round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).
Reaching the third round of the WNIT for the fifth time in program history, the Lobos concluded the season 26-10, tying the record for most single-season wins.
In her final game with the Lobos, Jaedyn De La Cerda led with 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and a block. Fellow senior Antonia Anderson had nine points, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots. LaTascya Duff led all Lobos with 20 points in the game – her seventh game of 20 or more points and the 27th time a Lobo has scored 20 or more points in a game this season. De La Cerda finished in double figures for the 28th time this season and for Shaiquel McGruder, it was the 25th game in double figures.
The Lobos started strong and had a double-digit lead in the first half. OSU rallied and the game went back and forth in the final minutes. The Lobos tied the game at 71 with 1:18 remaining. The OSU Beavers converted a regular three-point play and the UNM team answered with a two-point field to cut the OSU lead to 74-73 with 26 seconds remaining. The Lobos were forced to foul and the Beavers managed to seal the game at the free-throw line. OSU (17-13) outscored the Lobos 25-17 in the fourth quarter.