Fort Lewis College led by as many as eight and even led Western New Mexico late Saturday in Silver City, N.M.
The Mustangs rallied on their home court for a 71-68 victory.
“We did everything we needed to do to win the game,” FLC women’s basketball head coach Jason Flores said. “The last 3½ minutes, we executed well, but we just missed four bunnies in a row – literally, layups. Make any of those, and we put the game away.
“At some point, we gotta make plays,” said a frustrated Flores, who ticked off the game’s disappointing final sequence.
“Dumb fouls, and they hit a big shot. We put them on the line for four free throws, an and-one and an open 3.”
The Skyhawks were swept on their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tour through New Mexico.
After a 3-of-19 shooting night against N.M. Highlands on Friday in Las Vegas, N.M., Ashley Kuchar bounced back to lead the Skyhawks with 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists against the Mustangs. She was 7-of-17 from the floor Saturday.
Mary Brinton, Christie Groh and Erika Richards all scored in double figures with 13, 12 and 10 points, respectively.
RaTanya Newsome led Western N.M. (7-8, 4-6 RMAC) with 16 points. Nalani Hernandez had 11 points and 11 rebounds, Veronica Celaya had 11 points, and Tessa Jones had 10 points.
Both teams shot better than 40 percent from the floor and better than 30 percent from the 3-point line, but the Mustangs held a 17-10 edge from the free throw line.
FLC outrebounded Western N.M. 41-34. FLC had 22 turnovers. Western N.M. had 19 turnovers.
FLC (7-6, 4-5 RMAC) will host Regis and Metro State next weekend at Whalen Gymnasium.
“We played hard,” Flores said. “It wasn’t the effort; we just have to finish.”
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
