SILVER CITY, N.M. (Jan. 6, 2018) - Alexis Nezianya provided what proved to be the game-winning shot for Texas Woman's University with 1:21 remaining against Western New Mexico as the Pioneers forced two crucial turnovers in the final 42 seconds for a 60-55 win Saturday afternoon inside Drag's Court.
 
Nezianya completed a drive from the right side while being fouled for a 56-55 advantage, and Whitney Apari forced a steal to give the ball back to TWU (6-6, 3-3 LSC) with 41 seconds to play. Nezianya then found Bri'anna Gray underneath for a shot and a three-point advantage with 21 seconds on the clock. The Mustangs (0-14, 0-6 LSC) committed another turnover and then fouled Cienna Rodriguez who preserved the victory with a pair of free throws.
 
Rodriguez tied a season-high with 11 points, and Gray also scored 11. Nezianya snagged a game-high 12 rebounds to tie a season-best, while Kameron Daily had her most productive game as a Pioneer with eight points and four rebounds.
 
WNMU recorded the first five points of the contest while it took the Pioneers over six minutes to secure a field goal when Apari came through with back-to-back buckets in the paint as the Mustangs led 14-6 with 3:31 to play in the first. A three-pointer by KJ Stastny and a putback from Daily closed TWU to within 15-12 at the quarter break.
 
The Mustangs built a double-digit early in the second quarter, but the Pioneers took their first lead of the game following a 12-0 run capped by two Rodriguez three-pointers from the left wing. A jumper from Daily gave TWU a 28-27 edge at the half.
 
Desiree Phipps drilled a three in front of the Pioneer bench 11 seconds into the second half to put TWU up 31-27. WNMU regained the lead midway through the period on a three-point play, but Statsny handed the advantage back to the Pioneers with a jumper towards the end of the quarter.
 
A Mustang free throw gave WNMU a 47-45 lead at the start of the fourth before a Phipps three from the left wing made it a 48-47 contest in favor of TWU. The teams traded scores, and the Mustangs led 55-54 at the 1:38 mark before the crucial field goal by Nezianya.
 
Head Coach Beth Jillson said, "Our defensive intensity in the fourth quarter helped up get a tough road win. Kam gave us a great lift and made a big contribution to our bench points."
 
The Pioneers return home to face Tarleton State Thursday at 11:30 a.m.