CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M's Taylor Haggan registered her 13^th career double-double on Sunday afternoon as the Lady Buffs closed out the D2CCA Tipoff Classic with a 67-51 victory over the Bearcats of Northwest Missouri State at Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri.
 
West Texas A&M started the first quarter with an early tie, matching Northwest Missouri State's initial scoring efforts. Karley Motschenbacher contributed with a layup, while Kyla Kane and Motschenbacher capitalized on free throws to maintain the balance. Despite these efforts, the team faced challenges as the visitors found success in the paint, with Ella Moody and Kenzie Melcher leading their scoring.
 
As the quarter progressed, the Lady Buffs found themselves trailing but remained competitive with contributions from Henley West's tip-in and Taylor Haggan's jumper. Although the team managed to close the gap to within a single possession late in the quarter, Northwest Missouri State extended their lead with key baskets, finishing the quarter ahead 21-17.
 
West Tex. A&M capitalized on a strong defensive effort in the second quarter, forcing multiple turnovers and securing three steals. Randi Harding opened the scoring with a jumper, and the team continued to apply pressure with key defensive rebounds from Taylor Haggan and Karley Motschenbacher. Despite a series of turnovers from both sides, Chloe Callahan's three-pointer and Kyla Kane's jumper in the paint helped regain the lead.
 
The home team extended their advantage late in the quarter with Claire Graham's three-pointer, assisted by Harding, pushing the score to 31-26. Northwest Missouri State managed a final jumper with four seconds remaining, but the Lady Buffs closed the quarter leading 31-28.
 
The Lady Buffs began the third quarter solidifying their lead with a series of defensive stops and efficient scoring from the free-throw line, converting 11 of 13 attempts. Taylor Haggan contributed with a key jumper and a tip-in, while Claire Graham added points from the line, extending their advantage.
 
The defensive effort was underscored by multiple steals, including two by Haggan, which disrupted Northwest Missouri State's offensive rhythm. Despite Northwest Missouri State's attempts to close the gap with a pair of 3-pointers, the Lady Buffs maintained their lead through consistent free-throw shooting and timely baskets from the paint. The quarter closed with the Buffs holding a 48-38 lead.
 
The Lady Buffs began the fourth quarter with a strong defensive play as Randi Harding's steal led to an early layup by Karley Motschenbacher, extending the lead to 50-38. Henley West continued the momentum with a jumper, assisted by Harding, maintaining the team's advantage. Kenadee Winfrey capitalized on a fast-break opportunity with a layup, pushing the score to 54-40.
 
As the quarter progressed, Taylor Haggan's efforts under the basket with a tip-in and free throws kept the Lady Buffs ahead. A three-pointer by Chloe Callahan in the final minute further solidified the lead at 67-47. Despite Northwest Missouri State's attempts to close the gap, including a pair of free throws from Kenzie Melcher, the Lady Buffs closed the quarter strong, securing a 67-51 victory.
 
Haggan led the team with 16 points and secured 12 rebounds, while also contributing two steals. Kane added eight points, converting all six of her free throws and collecting seven rebounds. Winfrey tallied three steals and pulled down four boards. Claire Graham scored seven points and matched her defensive effort with two steals.
 
The Lady Buffs return to the court on Friday, November 14^th as they host #21 Colorado Mesa during the South Central Regional Challenge at the First United Bank Center.