SILVER CITY, NM (Drag's Court) – The Colorado State University-Pueblo women's basketball team used a 14-0 run in the final 3:11 of regulation including the go-ahead 3-point basket by Dee Arrieta (Jr., Pueblo West, Colo.) with just over a minute remaining to come away with a 63-55 win at Western New Mexico.
Junior forward Ashley Piper (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) notched her third double-double of the season, finishing with a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds. Piper shot 8-of-9 from the free throw line including going 6-for-6 in the final minute to seal the victory for the Pack.
The ThunderWolves opened the game sluggish and trailed 10-5 in the first three minutes of play. The Pack went on a 12-7 run over the next eight minutes to tie the game at 17 apiece with 9:24 remaining in the half.
Katie Nehf (Sr., Broomfield, Colo.) had eight points and three steals to lead the Pack to a 31-30 lead at halftime.
The Pack opened the second half on a 5-2 run thanks to a Piper free throw and Nehf connecting two layups.
CSU-Pueblo would take its largest lead at 42-34 on a pair of free throws by Shannon Patterson (Fr., Pueblo, Colo.) for two of her eight points with 14:20 left in regulation.
Following a WNMU timeout, the Mustangs went on a 10-2 run over the next five minutes to tie the game at 44-44, heading into the media timeout.
Stephanie Douthit hit back-to-back 3-point baskets to give the Mustangs the lead with just under nine minutes remaining.
Western New Mexico would build its largest lead of just six points with 3:11. Three jump shots and free throw aided in the short run.
CSU-Pueblo would buckle down defensively while a spark in the offensive was ignited with the start of the 14-0 final run.
Despite having twenty-five turnovers, the Pack outrebounded the Mustangs 41-26, and earned a 10-9 advantage in steals.
CSU-Pueblo (7-2, 5-0 RMAC) will continue its trip through the "Land of Enchantment" when it plays at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at John A. Wilson Complex.
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University – Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
