LAS VEGAS, N.M. (December 20, 2014) – The Colorado State University-Pueblo women's basketball team saw its five-game winning streak come to an end, falling on the road at New Mexico Highlands University, 64-54, Saturday at John A. Wilson Complex.
The ThunderWolves first conference loss of the season drops their overall record to 7-3 and their mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games to 5-1. The Cowgirls improve to 4-6 overall and even their RMAC record at 3-3.
Highlands outshot the Pack, posting a 48.1 (25-of-52) percent field-goal mark, while CSU-Pueblo finished the game with 34.0 (17-of-50) field goal percentage. The ThunderWolves once again shot well from the free-throw line, converting 15-of-18 attempts for an 83.3 percentage.
CSU-Pueblo held the edge in rebounding (33-26) and steals (11-9), while the Cowgirls owned the advantage in blocks (4-2). Both teams finished the game with 15 assists.
Ashley Piper (Jr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa) led all players with 15 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Katie Nehf (Sr., Broomfield, Colo.) chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and matched Piper for the game-high in steals with four. Dee Arrieta (Jr., Pueblo West, Colo.) recorded a contest-best six assists.
For Highlands, Angelina Sanchez topped the team with 14 points, while Jenny Johnson also scored in double figures with 10.
The ThunderWolves controlled the opening minutes of the game, racing out to a 9-0 lead 2:36 into the contest. CSU-Pueblo extended its lead to 14, at 21-7, with 10:49 remaining in the opening period.
Highlands closed the half strong, scoring 16 out of the last 21 points to trail by just three, 26-23, heading into the intermission.
The Cowgirls took the lead, at 28-27, on a three-point basket by Sanchez with 1:46 elapsed in the final period.
Highlands did not relinquish the lead the rest of the way, pushing their advantage to as many as 12 points en route to the 64-54 win.
The ThunderWolves will take a two week break for the Christmas before returning to the court Jan. 3 at UCCS.
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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.
