CANYON. Texas – West Texas A&M led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter before a late comeback by #21 Colorado Mesa fell just short as the Lady Buffs picked up a thrilling 80-78 victory during the South Central Regional Challenge at the Falcon Dome in Odessa, Texas.
 
The Lady Buffs finished the afternoon going 27-of-64 (42.2%) from the floor including 7-of-22 (31.8%) from behind the arc and 19-of-30 (63.3%) from the free throw line to go along with 47 rebounds (14 offensive, 33 defensive), 14 assists, 17 turnovers, no blocks and seven steals.
 
Kyla Kane led the way for the Lady Buffs as the Wellington product went 8-of-16 from the floor including 3-of-6 from deep for a team-high 21 points to go along with two boards and a steal. Freshman Taytum Bell impressed for WT, going 5-of-8 from the field and 7-of-9 from the line for a season-high 17 points with nine rebounds to finish just shy of a double-double. Claire Graham (15) and Hollie Stalder (11) also finished in double-figures for the Lady Buffs.
 
Olivia Reed was dominant for the Mavericks as the junior went 14-of-20 from the field including 4-of-4 from the free throw line for a game-high 32 points to go along with 13 rebounds for a double-double in CMU's season opener. The Mavericks finished the game going 29-of-73 (39.7%) from the floor including 6-of-27 (22.2%) from deep and 14-of-16 (87.6%) from the line with 40 rebounds, 21 assists, 11 turnovers, three blocks and nine steals.
 
The Lady Buffs return to the floor tomorrow afternoon as they take on South Dakota Mines with tipoff set for 3:00 p.m. at the Falcon Dome.