The UTPB women’s basketball team had little to no trouble in continuing its winning streak.
Their undefeated run now sits at four games as the Falcons recorded an easy, 85-52 win over Northern New Mexico in nonconference action Friday at Falcon Dome.
Playing their final game before 2024, the Falcons (8-2) used a strong second quarter to pull away from the Eagles as UTPB outscored Northern New Mexico 29-7 to build a 49-21 halftime lead.
“I’m just really proud of this team,” UTPB head coach Rae Boothe said. “I’m happy for our players. They’ve put in so much time and work and I’m glad it’s showing on the scoreboard.”
Northern New Mexico, which plays at the NAIA level in the Continental Athletic Conference, now sits at 8-7.
UTPB’s last defeat came in an 84-78 loss to Texas A&M International back on Nov. 30 in Laredo in a Lone Star Conference game.
UTPB’s only other loss came in a 70-54 result against Colorado Mesa in nonconference action back on Nov. 11 in Grand Junction, Colo.
The Falcons’ next game will be a 5:15 p.m. contest against Eastern New Mexico in conference play on Jan. 4.
“It’s a big time benefit,” Boothe said of the break in the schedule. “It’s such a long season. Our players go through so much. I think it’s the perfect time to take a break.”
Northern New Mexico will get to turn right around and face Wayland Baptist at 2 p.m. Saturday on the road.
A little bit of everything was going right for UTPB.
UTPB’s Tamia Flores had 16 points to lead the way while Andreea Mancha had 15.
By the end of the first half, UTPB’s Alexus Quaadman had a career milestone, recording her 800threbound, the most among any UTPB basketball player.
She finished the game with 12 rebounds to go along with her 13 points.
“She’s just another level player,” Boothe said of Quaadman. “She scores, she rebounds. She blocks shots. If you need something done, she’s going to step up.” She’s well on her way to a thousand rebounds.”
Northern New Mexico was led by Briana Marquez’s 16 points while Lila Ashida had eight as well as Miranda Salazar.
UTPB began the afternoon on a 9-0 run.
However, Northern New Mexico went on a 7-3 run to close the gap.
Free throws by Munoz gave the Falcons a seven-point lead with 5:09 left in the first quarter.
Quaadman scored a layup soon after to put UTPB up by 10.
The Falcons had a 20-14 lead by the end of the first quarter.
But Northern New Mexico began the second quarter on the right note as Shaela Carrilo scored a 3-pointer to make it a three-point game.
A 3-pointer by Flores made it 34-19, UTPB with 4:27 on the clock.
Northern New Mexico soon called a timeout.
Flores came out of the timeout and scored another 3-pointer to extend the Falcons’ lead.
Hemmeline scored a 3-pointer from the right of the key and the Falcons’ advantage was 44-19.
UTPB’s Mikalah Buckley scored on a 3-pointer as the halftime buzzer, giving the Falcons a 49-21 lead.
“I think we locked down on defense and paid attention to details. I think they turned it up after we started off 9-0. We fell back on our heels. I think the second quarter, we refocused.”
UTPB’s foot remained on the gas pedal in the third quarter.
A 3-pointer by Mancha put the Falcons ahead 65-34 with 3:49 left on the clock.
Quaadman added a 3-point jumper soon after.
UTPB ended the third quarter with a. 69-36 lead.
Baskets continued to fall for UTPB as Quaadman made a layup and Morgan Helgesen scored an outside shot to give the Falcons a 74-38 lead with 8:17 remaining in the game.
UTPB wouldn’t be denied and the Falcons closed out 2023 on a high note.
