BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—NM State rallied from a six-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat CSU Bakersfield 67-59 in Western Athletic Conference women's basketball action Thursday night.

The Roadrunners used a 10-0 run that covered the final 3:07 of the third quarter and seeped into the fourth to take a 47-41 lead early in the final stanza. After a Brianna Freeman basket, the Aggies used a press to force back-to-back turnovers which led to pair of easy baskets and a tie game. NM State took the lead for what proved to be for good at the 6:49 mark when Moriah Mack connected on a layup.

An Erika Williams three-pointer with a little over three to go cut the NMSU lead to 53-52, but the Aggies responded by scoring seven consecutive points. The 'Runners closed to four twice in the final 28 seconds of play, but six consecutive Aggie free throws clinched the game for NM State.

The Aggies would make 9-of-14 field goal attempts in the fourth quarter, outscoring CSUB 26-14. NMSU forced seven CSUB turnovers including two 30-second violations. The Aggies turned those turnovers into eight points.

“We have to let this game go so we can prepare for UTRGV on Saturday,” said CSUB head coach Greg McCall. I was happy with the way we competed for 40 minutes. We played hard, but we made some crucial turnovers toward the end of the game. We had our chances late but we could not take advantage of them.”

The NMSU (22-3, 11-0 WAC) victory clinched the WAC regular season championship and the top seed in the Mar. 9-12 WAC Tournament in Las Vegas. NM state also receives a first round bye at the league meet.

Mack led all scorers with 20 points. She was 7-of-14 from the field, 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Shanice Davis posted 17, 7-of-8 from the charity stripe. NMSU outscored CSUB 44-20 in the paint as the Aggies' bench outscored their Roadrunner counterparts 22-2.

Williams led the 'Runners with 17 points. Batabe Zempare recorded her 29th career double-double as she scored 12 points and grabbed a game high 14 rebounds. Addi Walters charted 11 for CSUB.

The Roadrunners (8-18, 5-6 WAC) host UTRGV (14-11, 6-4 WAC) Saturday in the final home game of the season at 1 p.m. Coverage is available on the Roadrunner Sports Network.

Tickets are available through the CSUB Athletics' Ticket Office at (661) 654-BLUE or tickets@csub.edu, or online at Vallitix.com.

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