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HOBBS, N.M. — The University of the Southwest women's basketball put together one of its sharpest opening quarters of the season, but nationally ranked LSU Shreveport's size, depth, and rebounding dominance eventually wore the Mustangs down in a 74–53 loss on Saturday afternoon inside the Maddox Student Life Center.

The Lady Mustangs (6–18, 2–16 RRAC) came out firing, shooting 50% in the first quarter and burying five threes, jumping ahead 19–14 after the opening frame. Karinna Ortiz and Seniya Wilson fueled the early surge, combining for 16 points in the period. Ortiz knocked down three triples, while Wilson opened the game a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor. 

But foul trouble and an ice-cold second quarter stalled Southwest's momentum. The Mustangs managed only seven points in the period, shooting 20% from the field as LSUS used a 16–7 frame to reclaim the lead. At halftime, the Pilots held a 30–26 edge. 

From there, Southwest continued to battle, but LSU Shreveport's physicality inside created major separation. The Pilots out-rebounded the Mustangs 44–23 and lived at the free-throw line, converting 24 of 37 attempts compared to Southwest's 8-for-10. Second-chance points also proved costly, with LSUS generating 11 points on the offensive glass while Southwest recorded just two. 

Wilson delivered another standout performance for the Mustangs, finishing with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, including three made threes. Ortiz followed with 20 points, knocking down five triples to tie her season high. Grace Kness and Alliah Scallion added energy off the bench, combining for five points, two steals, and several key hustle plays. 

Despite the final score, Southwest showed stretches of strong execution, particularly in perimeter shooting, finishing with nine made threes and hitting at a higher percentage from deep (24.3%) than the visitors (20%). But the Mustangs' offensive rhythm faltered under LSUS pressure, committing 16 turnovers that led to 22 Pilot points. 

Southwest returns to action next week as it continues conference play, looking to build on its early-game success and convert it into four-quarter consistency.

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