Lobos valiant in first loss of the season to #23/RV West Virginia
CANCUN, Mexico – The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team suffered its first loss of the season on Friday afternoon as they fell to No. 23-ranked West Virginia by a score of 73-60.
Despite the loss, the Lobos (6-1) displayed a valiant effort throughout the game against the Mountaineers (5-1), and overall were impressive against quality opponents in their two games in the Cancun Challenge.
In the game against the Mountaineers, the Lobos received a tremendous all-around performance by sophomore forward Shaiquel McGruder. Offensively, McGruder scored a career-high 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the floor. Several of those points came in transition for McGruder has she came away with a career-high eight steals against West Virginia. McGruder’s individual defense-to-offense performance contributed to the Lobos’ overall 25 points off turnovers. McGruder also hauled in five rebounds to pace the team.
McGruder would be the only Lobo in double figures in scoring against West Virginia, but all nine players that saw action scored in the game. Jaedyn De La Cerda and Najala Howell were near double figures as each scored nine points. Ahlise Hurst and Jayla Everett were next in scoring with seven points each.
The Lobos will now prepare for an early start to their conference season as they will take to the road and matchup with Mountain West preseason favorite Boise State on Wednesday, December 4. Tip-off for the that marquee conference clash is set for 7 p.m. (MT).