by LAS VEGAS, N.M. — The New Mexico Highlands women’s basketball team showed grit in bouncing back from a 25-point, first-half deficit to cut Westminster’s lead to two points in the final minutes, but fell to the Griffins 69-64 Friday at Wilson Complex.
The Cowgirls (3-9 overall, 0-6 RMAC) fell behind Westminster (6-4, 5-1) 15-0 to start the game and trailed 42-17 with 4:24 remaining in the second quarter – eventually trailing 48-27 at the half.
But NMHU bounced back in the second half, outscoring the Griffins 20-5 in the third quarter to cut the Westminster lead to 53-47 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Cowgirls got within a possession when Jessika Espinoza drained a 3-pointer with 1:36 remaining in the contest to make it 64-62 Griffins. But Westminster got a key offensive rebound on its next possession and turned it into a 3-pointer from Sarah McGinley with 54 seconds left to increase the lead back to five points.
NMHU wouldn’t get closer than three points the rest of the way – never having the ball with a chance to tie.
Jordyn Lewis (Navajo) led the way for New Mexico Highlands with 23 points – going 4-for-5 from 3-point range. Desiree Forster had 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists while Awreona Ransom added eight points – going 2-for-2 from 3-point range.
