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HOBBS, N.M. -- The University of the Southwest women's basketball team dropped an 80–53 decision to Xavier (LA) on Saturday afternoon inside the Jack & Mabel Maddox Student Life Center. The Mustangs move to 4–7 overall and 0–5 in conference play, while Xavier improves to 4–4.

Southwest opened the game with energy, taking an early lead on a Briana Montoya three-pointer, but Xavier responded with a strong first quarter and never looked back. The Mustangs trailed 22–14 after the opening frame and went into halftime down 33–27.

Montoya paced the Mustangs with 15 points, including four three-pointers, while Michaela Ray added 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Karinna Ortiz chipped in nine points and four rebounds, providing a spark in the second quarter. Southwest knocked down eight three-pointers on the day, with Macie Werdel contributing two from long range.

Despite the perimeter success, Southwest struggled inside, shooting 33.3% from the field and 38.5% from the free-throw line. Xavier controlled the paint (26–16) and capitalized on turnovers, outscoring Southwest 19–4 in points off miscues.

The Mustangs will look to regroup and snap their conference skid when they return to action next week on the road.

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