PUEBLO, Colo. - Colorado State University Pueblo Women's Basketball closed out Thanksgiving Weekend with authority, completing a perfect 2–0 stretch by cruising past Northern New Mexico College, 73–49, on Saturday afternoon at Massari Arena. The ThunderWolves controlled the game from start to finish, using a dominant first quarter and overwhelming bench production to secure their third win of the season and build momentum heading into RMAC play.
From the outset, CSU Pueblo dictated the pace. After falling behind 4–0 in the opening minutes, the Pack erupted with a 22–6 run to close the first quarter, fueled by hot perimeter shooting and disruptive defense. The ThunderWolves knocked down six three-pointers in the opening 10 minutes, including back-to-back triples from Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck and Malorie Byrne that ignited the home crowd and set the tone for the afternoon. Defensively, the Pack smothered the Eagles into 17.6 percent shooting in the first quarter, forcing difficult looks and capitalizing on early Northern New Mexico turnovers.
The second quarter mirrored the first, as CSU Pueblo's depth and energy continued to wear down the Eagles. The Pack's second unit—highlighted by Anyla Owens, Jada Bobb, Destiny Smith, and Sweeney-Spitzeck—took over the flow of the game, extending the lead and demonstrating the team's emerging identity as one of the deepest rosters in the RMAC. By halftime, the ThunderWolves held a 38–20 lead and had already amassed 11 made threes.
The story of the afternoon was the spectacular performance from junior guard Anyla Owens, who delivered one of the most memorable shooting displays in program history. Owens poured in 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including a blistering 9-of-19 from beyond the arc—tying the CSU Pueblo single-game school record for threes made. She joins Sherry Vallejos, who set the mark with nine triples in a 1992 matchup against Fort Lewis. Owens not only matched the record but did so while also grabbing 11 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and poise in a standout double-double effort.
Owens wasn't the only ThunderWolf to dominate the stat sheet. Freshman forward Jada Bobb was sensational inside, posting 16 points and 11 rebounds while controlling the paint on both ends. Bobb's second-chance efforts and physical interior presence were crucial, helping the Pack out-rebound the Eagles 62–37 and generate 10 second-chance points.
CSU Pueblo's backcourt play was equally strong. Destiny Smith knocked down two threes and added eight points and six rebounds, while also providing steady ball handling and perimeter defense. Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck orchestrated the offense with exceptional vision, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Her ability to facilitate the offense was central to the Pack's 22 team assists—one of their best passing performances of the year.
In total, the ThunderWolves' bench exploded for 67 of the team's 73 points, underscoring the unit's depth, balance, and game-changing impact. Every player who entered the game contributed with energy, ball pressure, shot-making, or rebounding, giving the Pack a complete team win.
Defensively, CSU Pueblo delivered one of its most disciplined efforts of the season. The Pack forced 16 turnovers, held Northern New Mexico to just two made three-pointers, and limited the Eagles to 10 points in each of the first two periods. CSU Pueblo also excelled in transition, turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities and finishing with a 13–8 edge in transition scoring.
With the victory, the ThunderWolves officially close their non-conference schedule and turn their attention to the always-competitive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. CSU Pueblo opens RMAC play next Thursday, hosting Westminster University at 5:30 p.m. inside Massari Arena. The Pack enter league play with confidence and momentum, backed by improving shooting, strong rebounding, and a deep rotation capable of taking over games.
