The Highlanders' opened the game with a stellar defensive showing, holding the Lobos to 3 for 19 shooting (15.9%) and outrebounding them 15 to 10 in a first period that ended with UCR ahead, 17-8.  

Although UC Riverside had established an early advantage, they also committed six turnovers. 

New Mexico outscored the Highlanders, 11-2, to start the second period, tying the game at 19 apiece. The Lobo's were aided by 10 Highlander turnovers, and numerous misses in the paint. 

The teams then traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter en route a tie at the break, 33 all.  

"We did a fairly decent job getting the positioning we wanted within our offense- we just struggled delivering the ball to the open player." said Interim Head Coach Seyram Bell.

The third period was played at close range, and saw Ewodo score 10 points on four of five shooting. She also knocked down both of her three-point attempts. Skyler Lewis pulled down six rebounds in helping the Highlanders maintain control of the boards 14-9, but the Lobos would carry a, 57-53, lead into the fourth.

"New Mexico is a very good team, they played hard, and with a lot of energy, which I think we matched," said Bell. 

To start the fourth, the teams traded threes to move the score to 60-56 in favor of the hosts. The Lobos then went on a 9-0 run over a stretch that saw the Highlanders commit three turnovers. UCR would trim the deficit to 10 points, but get no closer as New Mexico went on to win, 80-70.

Ewodo led the way for the Highlanders with 22 points, while Daphne Gnago (10pts, 8rebs) and Lewis (9pts, 11rebs) flirted with double-doubles. Ahlise Hurst had 21 points (6-7 3pt) to lead the Lobos' four players in double figures.

Looking Forward

"We need to learn from this game and prepare for New Mexico State. That's one of the great things about playing three games in five days, you don't have to wait for a chance to correct mistakes and show improvement."

Jannon Otto scored the first bucket of the season, but just a few seconds later she left the game due to injury and did not return. Her status for Thursday's game is still being determined.

UC Riverside heads to Las Cruces to take on the New Mexico State Aggies at 5pm PT on Thursday, November 7th.