EDINBURG, Texas—The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley defeated CSU Bakersfield 60-46 in Western Athletic Conference women's basketball play Thursday night.

The Roadrunners scored the game's first seven points, holding the Vaqueros without a basketball for the first 5:19 of the contest. UTRGV responded with a 15-3 run that gave the Vaqueros a 15-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Roadrunners again got off to a quick start, scoring the first six points of the second quarter, but a pair of three-pointers from Shawnte' Goff and Lile Havili returned the lead to UTRGV 20-16. Trailing 27-25 to start the second half, a Batabe Zempare basket tied the score 1:23 into the third. A Nichele Hyman three-pointer ignited a 24-10 run that pushed the game out of CSUB's reach.

Both teams shot poorly as UTRGV was 34.4% from the field (21-of-61) while the 'Runners were 28.6% from the floor (18-of-64). The Vaqueros outrebounded the Roadrunners 47-44. Goff recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Hild Kjartansdottir scored 16 points for the Vaqueros. CSU Bakersfield was led by Alyssa Shannon who tallied 13 points. The 5-2 points guard grabbed five rebounds and had three assists.

“Tonight was more of the same problems we have experienced this season,” said CSUB head coach Greg McCall. “We were not able to make shots when we were able to get stops on the defensive end. We need to do a better job offensively.”

UTRGV (13-7) remained in a first place tie with NM State (16-3) as both schools are 5-0 in league play. The Roadrunners (5-14, 2-2 WAC) travel to the Aggies on Saturday. Tip is set for 2 p.m. (MST). The game is available on ESPN 3 and the WAC Digital Network. CSUB returns home Jan. 28 for a 7 p.m. start against Grand Canyon. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com. The game can also be seen on the Roadrunner Digital Network.

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