by Canyon, Texas – The Cowgirls used a strong fourth quarter to defeat UT-Permian Basin on Saturday at West Texas A&M’s Lady Buff Thanksgiving Classic. With the win, the Cowgirls improve to 3-2 on the season.
UT-Permian Basin led 48-46 after three quarters of play but the Cowgirls outscored the Falcons 24-17 in the fourth to seal the win. With the score tied 59-57, Aspen Salazar made a layup that put the Cowgirls up for good at 59-59 with 5:30 to go in the game.
Kapiolani Anitielu notched her first career double-double as she scored a game high 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Juliana Aragon scored 17 points and handed out a team high four assists. Eva Ongoongotau, a perfect five for five from the floor, had 11 points. Caitlin Turnbow also recorded a double-double as she scored 10 points and had a career high 13 rebounds.
Aniya Johnson had a game high 16 rebounds, the most by a Cowgirl since Kristy Marquez had 17 against Western New Mexico on February 26, 2016.
Kapiolani Anitielu’s five blocked shots on Friday were the most by an NMHU player since Neysa Munguia’s five against Regis on January 28th, 2023.
The Cowgirls held UT-Permian Basin to 27.5% shooting from the floor and out-rebounded them by a 58-37 margin.
The NMHU bench outscored the Falcons 23-15.
Friday’s win over the Falcons was NMHU’s third consecutive in the series
