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Albuquerque, N.M. The University of New Mexico womens basketball team used a torrid 28-2 second half run to come from behind and defeat the Utah Utes in The Pit tonight. The Lobos (13-4, 3-1 MWC) overcame a 13-point second half deficit to get the win over Utah (9-7, 2-2 MWC). Lobo freshman Mandi Moore led UNM with a career-high 20 points and six assists. Sophomore Melissa Forrest added 11 points while junior Chelsea Grear was one rebound away from a double-double, pulling down nine boards and scoring 10 points.
Despite only shooting 39.4% from the floor in the first half, the Lobos were only down one point, 33-32, going into intermission. They scored the last four points of the half and looked as if they had the momentum in their favor going into the locker room. However, Utah came out on fire early on in the second. The Utes went on an 11-0 run to start the second frame and raced out to a 45-32 lead with 16:14 left in the game.
Fortunately for the 11,872 Lobo fans in attendance, New Mexico would regroup and take the lead. Grears rebound and put back with 15:45 left to play stopped the Utah run and ended UNMs second half drought. On their next two possessions, the Lobos would end up with three-pointers by Moore and Forrest, sending UNM on their 28-2 run. Utah would only manage two points in the next ten minutes as they watched Moore score 12 points in the run. Moores four three-pointers in the game tied a season high for the Lobos.
Utah was led by Lauren Beckmans career-high 25 points and nine rebounds. New Mexico will travel to San Diego State on January 23 for another tough Mountain West Conference match-up. Their next home game is on January 31 at 7 p.m. (MST) against Colorado State.qQ