LAS VEGAS - One of Julie Briody's most clutch performances came when the UNM women's basketball team needed it most.
With post players Dionne Marsh, Timi E-Nunu and Angela Harthill in foul trouble, the Lobos needed an inside scorer and rebounder.
Briody - a guard who is built more like a cross country runner than a post player - delivered, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds and three steals in UNM's 65-53 win over Wyoming on Friday in Las Vegas.
Lobo head coach Don Flanagan said Briody's game has come full circle.
"She's improved in almost every aspect of the game," he said. "She defends well. She's a long player. Not really a strong player, but she's strong enough to compete against bigger players."
After the Cowgirls erased a 21-9 deficit and gained their first lead of the game at 30-29 less than a minute into the second half, Briody helped stop the bleeding.
She scored the next four UNM points and recorded all three of her steals in the second half. The senior also grabbed three offensive rebounds, giving the Lobos extra scoring opportunities.
While Briody has been an effective scorer in her time at UNM, she improved her rebounding this season, averaging 5.4 boards per game.
Briody said she was more aggressive fighting for the ball on Friday.
"Rebounds are going to win us games," she said. "I know they were going to need me to do a little bit more than just score. I was getting in pretty good position."
Flanagan said Briody's presence on the boards adds a new dimension to a solid player.
"That really completes her game," he said. "I'm amazed how much she's improved just this year. Usually when they're seniors, you don't see that much improvement over a one-year period of time."
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Briody's role as one of the leaders on the team has been important, as well, Flanagan said.
With less than 10 minutes to play, Wyoming was within nine points at 49-40, until Briody scored seven of her 21 points in the next five minutes, helping seal the game.
Rather than take credit for the offensive success herself, Briody said the other Lobos gave her opportunities.
"I just got a lot of good screens from my teammates and was able to get some decent open looks," she said. "It was just a team effort and everybody did really well to do their part to make sure that we won."
Briody's three steals and aggressive defense were other aspects that helped the Lobos pull out the win. Whether fighting for rebounds or driving against bigger players, Briody spent her fair share of time hitting the floor.
Flanagan said Briody doesn't hesitate to throw her body around.
"It's kind of like a skeleton hitting the floor when she hits the floor," he said. "You can hear every bone. She's not afraid of the contact."
As the Lobos prepare for the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship on Saturday, Briody has little time to lick her wounds.
Still, even a banged-up Briody can help UNM beat any opponent, Flanagan said.
"She's got a terrific repertoire of moves," he said. "This has been an outstanding year for her - by far her best year."
