Southwest New Mexico displayed a commanding performance against Louisiana Christian, securing a convincing 71-58 win at the H.O. West Fieldhouse on December 21, 2024. The visiting team capitalized on sharp shooting and aggressive defense, ensuring they controlled the game from the opening tip.

Key Performances

Leading the charge for Southwest was Milinda Arguellez, who contributed a stellar 20 points, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Karinna Ortiz provided significant support with 16 points, including 4 three-pointers, and Briana Montoya added 12 points and 3 rebounds, demonstrating the team's depth and efficiency.

Louisiana Christian struggled to maintain pace despite DaKayla Howard's 8 rebounds and Goff Princis's 14 points. Turnovers plagued their efforts, with a total of 26 compared to Southwest's 12, a statistic that proved costly.

Game Breakdown

• First Half: Southwest opened strong, outscoring Louisiana Christian 38-27 at halftime. Ortiz and Arguellez were instrumental in building this early lead.
• Second Half: Despite Louisiana Christian's improved shooting in the third quarter (58.3%), they couldn't close the gap. Southwest maintained control with disciplined play and consistent scoring.

Notable Statistics

• Field Goal Percentage: Southwest shot 36.8% from the field, while Louisiana Christian managed 34.5%.
• Points off Turnovers: Southwest capitalized on Louisiana Christian's errors, scoring 22 points off turnovers.
• Rebounds: Louisiana Christian won the rebounding battle 53-35, but their inability to convert second chances stifled their comeback efforts.

The Road Ahead

With this win, Southwest New Mexico solidifies their reputation as a dominant force, leveraging their depth and teamwork. Louisiana Christian, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and address their turnover woes to bounce back in their next matchup.

This victory serves as a testament to Southwest's strategic play and resilience, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next performance.