Western New Mexico University's women's basketball team was defeated by the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) 81-56 in an exhibition game at the Don Haskins Center. The Mustangs recorded six blocks and six steals during the match.
The game began with Western New Mexico attempting to keep pace, narrowing UTEP's early lead with a jumper from Cieara Dinwiddie and a three-pointer from Jordan Sapien. However, UTEP maintained a slight advantage throughout the first quarter, finishing ahead 19-14.
In the second quarter, Western New Mexico tied the score at 23–23 following a three-pointer by Brelee Nichols and layups by Natalie Magallnes and Dinwiddie. Despite this effort, UTEP responded with a late run to end the half leading 39–27.
During the third quarter, Western New Mexico struggled against UTEP’s defense and committed eight turnovers. Contributions from Ema Rose and Sapien helped reduce the deficit slightly, but UTEP led 61-39 at quarter’s end.
The final period saw continued efforts from Western New Mexico with points from Rose, Magallnes, and Cadence Turnbow. Still, UTEP extended their lead through second-chance opportunities and bench contributions to secure an 81-56 victory.
Key performers for Western New Mexico included Sapien with 13 points and four assists; Rose with nine points, four rebounds, and two blocks; Kimble who contributed three points along with two blocks; and Magallnes who added six points plus two steals.
For UTEP, Sirviva Legions led scoring for her team with ten points along with nine rebounds. Heaven Samayoa-Mathis contributed eleven points and seven rebounds while Mary Moses Amaniyo scored twelve points paired with twelve rebounds. Ndack Mbengue also had twelve rebounds—nine of them offensive—and Portia Adams provided five assists alongside eight points.
After this exhibition matchup, Western New Mexico remains at an overall record of 0-0 while UTEP is now 3-0 for their season. The Mustangs will next play Fort Lewis College on Thursday, November 13 in Las Vegas, New Mexico at 6 p.m.
Western New Mexico University participates in NCAA Division II athletics as part of the Lone Star Conference (LSC). More information about Mustang Athletics can be found on www.wnmumustangs.com or via their social media channels @WNMUathletics on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
