CANYON, Texas – The #13 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M ran their win streak to six games on Saturday afternoon as they rolled past the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls, 84-57 to conclude the WT Thanksgiving Classic at the First United Bank Center.
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WT opened the first quarter by establishing a strong presence in the paint, scoring 14 points in that area. The team maintained momentum with effective ball movement, assisting on five of their nine baskets. A key sequence saw
Randi Harding and
Kenadee Winfrey each drain a 3-pointer, contributing to a lead for the home team.
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Despite Highlands' efforts to keep pace with three successful 3-pointers, the Lady Buffs countered with fast breaks and bench contributions, tallying nine points from reserves. The quarter concluded with
Kyla Kane hitting two free throws with four seconds remaining, giving the Lady Buffs a 23-19 lead at the end of the first quarter.
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West Texas A&M initiated the second quarter with a focus on maintaining their lead, matching New Mexico Highlands in the paint with 12 points each. The two teams exchanged leads, but the Lady Buffs capitalized on their opportunities, recording a critical 3-pointer by
Kenadee Winfrey to shift momentum.
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Randi Harding contributed significantly with key defensive rebounds and a layup to keep the Buffs ahead. The quarter saw the home team executing well under pressure, as they closed with a layup from Harding in the final seconds. The Lady Buffs led 41–34 at the end of the second quarter.
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WT began the third quarter strongly, with
Taylor Haggan scoring an early layup to extend their lead. The home team capitalized on turnovers, with
Kyla Kane swiping a steal that led to a scoring opportunity.
Henley West contributed with a defensive block, and
Kenadee Winfrey added points from the free-throw line, widening the gap.
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Midway through the quarter,
Randi Harding and
Henley West each added points in the paint, maintaining the momentum. The Lady Buffs' defense continued to force turnovers, limiting N.M. Highlands' scoring chances. Kane's fastbreak layup and subsequent free throw further solidified the home team's advantage.
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WT closed the quarter with a 20–8 scoring run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Kane and a layup from
Taytum Bell. The home team's defensive efforts and efficient scoring in transition allowed them to lead 61–42 at the end of the third quarter.
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The Lady Buffs capitalized on a strong start in the fourth quarter, quickly extending their lead with a 3-pointer by
Kyla Kane at 9:34, assisted by
Abbi Holder. Holder continued to impact the game, sinking another 3-pointer shortly after.
Taylor Haggan added to the momentum with a successful layup and free throw, pushing the lead further.
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The home team maintained defensive pressure throughout the quarter, as evidenced by steals from both
Taylor Haggan and
Kyla Kane, limiting N.M. Highlands' offensive opportunities.
Henley West contributed with a defensive rebound, followed by a jumper to keep the scoring going.
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As the quarter progressed, the Lady Buffs continued to find success from the field, with
Presley Kane securing additional points through effective play in the paint. The quarter concluded with a final 3-pointer from
Abbi Holder, assisted by
Brooklyn Scurry, solidifying an 84–57 victory for the Buffs.
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Kyla Kane led with 18 points, including three 3-pointers and two steals.
Randi Harding added 15 points, converting seven of her 12 shot attempts and contributing two assists.
Henley West recorded 10 points and was strong defensively with three blocks and eight rebounds.
Kenadee Winfrey posted 10 points, hitting both of her 3-point shots and making all four free throws.
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The Lady Buffs begin Lone Star Conference play on Thursday night as they host the Oklahoma Christian Eagles with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. in Canyon.
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