LUBBOCK, Texas (Nov. 14, 2026) – The Colorado State University Pueblo women's basketball team closed out its opening weekend of the 2026-27 season on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 65-59 setback against UT Tyler in neutral-site action at the Rip Griffin Center.
With the loss, the ThunderWolves fall to 0-2 on the young season, while UT Tyler improves to 3-2 overall.
Freshman guard Kjani Anitielu led the Pack offensively with a team-high 15 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and connecting on three three-pointers. Junior guard Shelomi Sanders added 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, while senior forward Kate Gallery chipped in nine points, including two three-pointers.
CSU Pueblo opened the contest with an impressive defensive effort, holding the Patriots to just seven first-quarter points while building an early advantage.
Anitielu wasted little time getting the ThunderWolves on the scoreboard, knocking down a three-pointer just 15 seconds into the contest. The freshman followed with another triple at the 7:41 mark before Jaz Salon converted consecutive layups to give the Pack a 10-2 advantage midway through the opening period.
UT Tyler responded with five consecutive points to trim the deficit to three, but Dasani Nesbit connected on a jumper in the final minute to send CSU Pueblo into the second quarter holding a 12-7 lead.
The Patriots found their offensive rhythm in the second period, particularly from beyond the arc. UT Tyler connected on six of its eight three-point attempts during the quarter, including four triples from Erinn Gardere.
After the teams traded baskets throughout the opening minutes of the second quarter, UT Tyler took its first lead at 19-18 following a pair of free throws from Lilli Hakkarainen with 7:16 remaining.
The ThunderWolves continued to battle, with Jada Bobb tying the contest at 20 following a layup before Talia Strode connected on a three-pointer to pull the Pack within one at 25-24 with 2:44 remaining.
However, the Patriots closed the half with consecutive three-pointers from Hayley Cumming to take a 31-24 advantage into the locker room.
CSU Pueblo continued to battle in the third quarter, using a balanced offensive attack and defensive pressure to remain within striking distance.
Gallery connected on a three-pointer early in the period, while Sanders added six points in the quarter. The ThunderWolves also received a lift from their bench as Karson Chaney converted a layup and Gabby Louther knocked down two free throws to cut the deficit to four.
Sanders connected on a jumper with one minute remaining to bring CSU Pueblo within three at 42-39 heading into the final quarter.
The ThunderWolves carried that momentum into the fourth period as Sanders and Anitielu scored on consecutive possessions to pull CSU Pueblo within one point at 44-43 with 8:27 remaining.
UT Tyler answered with a 7-0 run to push its advantage to 51-43, but the Pack refused to go away.
Anitielu sparked another CSU Pueblo rally, connecting on a three-pointer with seven minutes remaining before adding a layup to trim the Patriots' lead to 51-48 with 5:50 left.
The Patriots responded with four consecutive points and maintained their advantage down the stretch despite the ThunderWolves' continued efforts.
Anitielu converted another layup with 1:21 remaining to cut the deficit to 61-56, while Gallery knocked down a three-pointer with 48 seconds left to bring CSU Pueblo within six. However, UT Tyler held on for the 65-59 victory.
For the game, CSU Pueblo shot 33.3 percent (21-of-63) from the field, including 23.1 percent (6-of-26) from three-point range, while converting 11-of-16 attempts from the free-throw line.
The ThunderWolves finished with nine steals and forced 16 UT Tyler turnovers, converting those opportunities into 14 points. The Pack also held a 16-8 advantage in fast-break points and outscored the Patriots 28-26 in the paint.
Along with the offensive performances from Anitielu, Sanders and Gallery, Louther pulled down a team-high eight rebounds, while Nesbit added six boards, four points and two assists. Salon contributed four points, a team-high three steals and two assists.
UT Tyler was led by Cumming, who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Gardere added 20 points, including five three-pointers, while Tylah Hooper finished with 11 points.
The Patriots shot 42.3 percent (22-of-52) from the field and held a 41-34 advantage on the glass.
Up Next: CSU Pueblo returns to Massari Arena for its 2026-27 home opener on Friday, Nov. 20, when the ThunderWolves host Western New Mexico at 5 p.m. The Pack will then welcome Chadron State on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m.
Both contests will be played at Massari Arena in Pueblo, Colorado.
