On Tuesday, March 4, the University of New Mexico women's basketball team defeated Air Force Academy 77-74 in the final home game of the season before heading to the Mountain West Championship.
There was an electric atmosphere in The Pit, as both teams were filled with high intensity and determination. The first quarter was rocky for the Lobos in certain areas, mainly on the defensive end. The Falcons took the lead and ended the quarter 24-19.
The Lobos’ rebounding was solid for the majority of the second quarter. Both teams battled hard offensively. On the defensive side, the Lobos tightened up a bit, only allowing 14 points in the quarter. The Lobos led 42-38 at the end of the second.
At the start of the second half, the Lobos’ communication was intense and the players made carefully strategized plays. Coach Mike Bradbury outlined the adjustments that needed to be made for a successful UNM outcome.
“You know, we wanted to get it in Destinee’s hands to give her a chance,” Bradbury said. “She was able to finish it and get fouled. Obviously that got us back on top.”
Guard Destinee Hooks’ leadership throughout the second half assured the team a victory in the end.
Both teams battled hard at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Lobos started off by scoring a bucket, while the Falcons slowly fell off from their high-intensity play.
As the clock ran out, both teams had to employ smart plays and smart use of time. With 14 seconds on the clock, the Falcons tied the game at 73. Then, hitting a free-throw gave the Falcons a 1-point advantage, making the score 74-73.
A layup by Hooks gave the Lobos the lead right back. Afterward, the ball was in Guard Vianè Cumber’s hands. Cumber found her way to the free-throw line and made two clutch free throws which secured the Lobos’ win.
During the game, Cumber broke the program record for career 3-pointers made, with 240, according to a UNM women’s basketball team Instagram post.
This was the Lobos’ second time playing — and their second win — against the Falcons this season.
“I think, for us, we know what's ahead of us, and we're going to be ready for that challenge,” Bradbury said.
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The Lobos will now take off to the Mountain West Championship in Las Vegas, looking to bring home a title.
Esmeralda Lozano is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
