Western New Mexico University’s women’s basketball team lost to St. Edward's University 58-49 in a Lone Star Conference game held in Austin, Texas. The Mustangs started strong, leading at the end of both the first and second quarters, but could not maintain their advantage through the second half.
Naomi Kimble scored early for Western New Mexico with an assist from Jordan Sapien. Natalie Magallnes hit a key three-pointer late in the first quarter, and Yvanna Villarreal secured a narrow 10-9 lead for the Mustangs at the end of the period. In the second quarter, Magallnes made two consecutive three-pointers to give her team a four-point edge, while Tess Taylor extended it further with another three-point shot. The Mustangs led 26-23 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Western New Mexico struggle with turnovers, giving up possession ten times. Despite a tying layup from Sapien early in the quarter, St. Edward's responded strongly with two three-pointers from Kiana Bennett and took control by the end of the period.
In the fourth quarter, Cieara Dinwiddie made a three-pointer and Sapien added a free throw as Western attempted to rally. Angelina Khalaf scored late to reduce the deficit, but St. Edward's maintained their lead through free throws and defensive rebounds.
Magallnes finished as Western’s top scorer with 16 points and four three-pointers; Khalaf had 11 rebounds and four steals; Sapien contributed eight points and two steals; Dinwiddie recorded five points and one block.
For St. Edward’s, Bennett led all scorers with 20 points on efficient shooting including four three-pointers; Suni Davis added 16 points before fouling out; Kendall Beck pulled down 17 rebounds along with two blocks; Jasmyn Jackson had eight rebounds and two blocks; Ramsey Robledo chipped in seven points and six rebounds.
Western New Mexico is now winless after eight games this season (0-8 overall, 0-2 conference), while St. Edward’s improves to 6-2 overall (2-0 conference). The Mustangs will next play against New Mexico State University on Sunday, December 14 in Las Cruces.
For more information about Mustang Athletics or updates on future games, visit www.wnmumustangs.com or follow @WNMUathletics on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
