LAS CRUCES, N.M.—New Mexico State (10-6, 2-0 WAC) battled back from 20 points down in the second half to defeat CSU Bakersfield (12-5, 1-1 WAC) 90-78 in women's basketball action Thursday night at the Pan American Center.

The Roadrunners, who led 46-38 at halftime, went up 68-48 with 10:29 remaining in the second half on an Erika Williams (R-So., Fresno, Calif., Diamond Ranch HS) bucket. The Aggies mounted a 24-5 run that brought NM State to within one, 73-72, when Shanice Davis connected on a three-pointer.

The Aggies forced back-to-back CSUB shot clock violations to set up an opportunity to take the lead with 14 seconds to play. Moriah Mack drove the lane and was fouled. Mack missed both free throw attempts. On the second shot, Williams got the rebound and was fouled. She could only make 1-of-2 from the charity stripe. With 12 seconds on the clock and CSUB up 74-72, New Mexico State did not call timeout. Davis penetrated the lane, dishing the ball off to Brianna Freeman who sent the game into overtime with a layup with two seconds remaining in regulation.

“We didn't play well at the end (of the game),” said CSU Bakersfield head coach Greg McCall. “We weren't smart with the basketball.”

New Mexico State held the 'Runners to 2-of-12 shooting in the extra session as the Aggies outscored CSUB 16-4 to win by 12. New Mexico State held the Roadrunners to 27% shooting for the second half and overtime. CSUB shot 38.2% (26-of-68) for the game. NM State held a 53-46 rebounding advantage.

Davis led all scorers with 32 points. She was 12-of-20 from the field. She also had five rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Freeman scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Sasha Weber also posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Mack was the third Aggie starter to post a double-double as she scored 10 points and had 13 rebounds.

Tyonna Outland (R-Sr., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) led the Roadrunners with 18 points. She is now 32 away from tying Katie McElree's (1,796, 2002-06) all-time scoring record at CSU Bakersfield. Batabe Zempare (Jr., Accra, Ghana, Chapparal HS) tallied her seventh double-double of the season as she scored 11 points and grabbed game high 19 rebounds. Alyssa Shannon (Jr., Bakersfield, Calif., Stockdale HS) scored 14 points and charted four assists. Brooklynn Hinkens (Sr., Lake Tapps, Wash., Auburn-Riverside HS) added 13 for the 'Runners.

“We need to learn from this, and bounce back at UTPA,” McCall said.”

The Roadrunners travel to Texas-Pan American on Saturday. Tip is set for 2 p.m. (CST). The Roadrunners return home next Thursday when CSUB hosts Missouri-Kansas City at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at vallitix.com.

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