Lobos ease past UCCS in exhibition opener
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – After over a six-month offseason, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team took to the hardwood in game action for the first time this season as they played host to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in an exhibition game on Sunday afternoon inside Dreamstyle Arena – The Pit.
The preseason tune-up showcased a potentially explosive offense and at times a stifling defense as the Lobos cruised past the Mountain Lions by a score of 103-54. The 103 points scored by the Lobos on Sunday were the most in an exhibition game since the Lobos scored 101 points against Fort Lewis in 2016.
All 12 healthy and available players saw action in the game for the Lobos with each recording at least six minutes of playing time. The rotation of players employed also allowed for a balanced scoring effort as 11 players scored in the game with seven scoring eight or more points.
Four Lobos would go on to score in double figures with junior Jaedyn De La Cerda leading the way with 18 points. The Roswell, N.M. native would go 4-of-8 overall from the field, 3-of-6 from long range and 7-of-8 from the charity stripe. Newcomer Najala Howell and returning sophomore Shaiquel McGruder were next in scoring with 14 points each. Both were very efficient in their scoring as Howell was 6-of-9 overall from the floor (2-of-2 from three-point range) while McGruder was a perfect 6-of-6. Both also added a handful of rebounds to their ledger with McGruder hauling in six and Howell five.
Last year’s Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jayla Everett rounded out double-figure scoring with an even 10 points. The St. Louis, Mo. Native made a pair of three-pointers was 2-of-2 from the line.
Ahlise Hurst and Antonia Anderson turned in solid games as returning letterwinners. Hurst would score nine points and Anderson seven.
In addition to Howell’s impact, Lobo fans were treated to several intriguing performances from newcomers Corina Carter, Jordan Hosey, Bride Kennedy-Hopoate and Autumn Watts. Carter scored nine points and dished out six assists. Hosey was 4-of-6 from the field, scored eight points and pulled down seven rebounds. Kennedy-Hopoate ran the floor well and scored six points on 3-of-6 shooting. Watts was strong on the glass as she had a team-high nine rebounds.
The Lobos will now prepare for their second exhibition game of the season. That tune-up game will be against Eastern New Mexico on Wednesday, October 30. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside Dreamstyle Arena – The Pit.