University of women’s basketball coach Yvonne Sanchez is used to coaching short-handed. But when it’s two weeks before the exhibition opener, it’s not a bad problem.
The Lobos conducted their second scrimmage against their male practice partners, called the “Coyotes” on Saturday at the Pit.
After a slow start, Sanchez’s squad again settled down in the second half. The Coyotes won again, 74-64, but the Lobos showed a lot of improvement from the first exhibition (a 63-50 loss) – especially on the offensive end.
“Very pleased (with how the Lobos played),” Sanchez said. “They were more aggressive. We’re turning the ball over too much, but other than that, I like where we’re at.”
The Lobos played without Antiesha Brown, Alexa Chavez and Cherise Beynon.
Much like the first scrimmage, the Coyotes got up by a big margin early. The practice team outscored UNM 26-14 in the second of four 10-minute quarters for a 40-23 halftime lead. A 3-pointer to open the second half pushed the lead to 20, 43-23.
Led by juniors Brea Mitchell and Bryce Owens, the Lobos whittled the deficit down to 53-47 late in the third quarter. New Mexico finished with 27 points in the third quarter alone. The Lobos converted 13 of 14 free throws after halftime.
UNM still was within eight points late, but to avoid injury, Sanchez opted not to try to foul and get back into the game.
Mitchell and Ebony Walker each scored 13 points to lead the Lobos. Bryce Owens added 10, Khadijah Shumpert had eight points and six rebounds, and Josie Greenwood added six points and rebounds.
The Lobos committed 21 turnovers but forced 18 on the defensive end.
“Too many turnovers, but the guys really pressured us,” Sanchez said. “We’ve got to handle that better. And our young players are getting a lot of valuable minutes. It’s trial by fire, but they’re doing a nice job.”
The Lobos’ first exhibition game takes place Nov. 9 against Eastern New Mexico at 2 p.m.