LOS ANGELES — The New Mexico State Women’s basketball team starts its season 0-1 after a rough 87-48 road loss to the University of Southern California Tuesday, Nov. 4, at The Galen Center in Los Angeles.
Seven players made their debuts for the Aggies, but returners Lucía Yenes and Imani Warren led the way. Yenes finished with a career-high 27 points and Warren tied her career-high of 11 points.
Warren kicked off the season with back-to-back buckets at the beginning of the game, putting NM State ahead 4-3. The Milwaukee native kept the team within distance, trailing 10-6 with 4:52 left in the first quarter, until USC played catch-up and ended the quarter up 20-13.
Yenes followed Warren’s lead with another scoring frenzy, scoring seven points in the second quarter. This was not enough to take over the game however, as the Lady Trojans closed the half with a 45-24 advantage after a 16-3 run.
In the second half, USC’s size and tempo proved difficult to counter as they shot over 50% from the field and out-rebounded the Aggies 48-28, pulling away in the final two quarters.
Despite the loss, NM State saw strong flashes from its new roster and a confident performance from Yenes, who paced the offense throughout the night.
The Aggies look to bounce back in their home opener Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they host New Mexico Highlands University at the Pan American Center. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
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