CANYON, Texas – The #8 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M erased a 14-point deficit to start the fourth quarter on Tuesday night as they battled back to force overtime before falling to the rival Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds, 61-57 at the First United Bank Center in Lone Star Conference action.
 
The first quarter began with ENMU taking an early lead, scoring a 3-pointer just 24 seconds after the tip-off. The Lady Buffs struggled to find their rhythm offensively, missing several opportunities in the paint. However, they managed to capitalize on a turnover by the Greyhound at 6:08, with Henley West recording a steal that led to a faster pace of play.
 
The Lady Buffs narrowed the gap midway through the quarter, highlighted by Randi Harding's fast-break 3-pointer at 3:58, bringing the score to 11-8. Claire Graham further cut into Eastern's lead with a successful 3-pointer at 2:37. Despite these efforts, ENMU maintained control, closing the quarter with an 18-11 advantage.
 
WT started the second quarter with a defensive stop, contributing to a tightly contested stretch. Kenadee Winfrey sparked momentum with a crucial 3-pointer at the 5:31 mark, assisted by Kyla Kane, reducing the deficit. Taytum Bell added a layup later in the quarter, helping the team maintain competitiveness.
 
Despite efforts from both teams to shift control, neither side could establish a significant advantage. The quarter concluded with both teams adding six points each, keeping the score steady and close.
 
The Lady Buffs faced a challenging third quarter against ENMU with the visitors gaining momentum early on. Kane managed to cut into Eastern's lead with a jumper at 8:47, assisted by Taylor Haggan.
 
Despite the setbacks, WT capitalized on free-throw opportunities, converting nine of ten attempts to maintain some pressure. Harding's efforts in the paint, including a layup at 4:22, provided a needed spark. The quarter concluded with the Lady Buffs trailing 46-32.
 
The Lady Buffs seized momentum in the fourth quarter with a strong defensive showing, highlighted by four steals and capitalizing on ENMU's turnovers. Kane's layup early in the quarter set the tone, and she continued to be pivotal, scoring consistently to close the deficit.
 
The team maintained pressure, forcing numerous turnovers and executing on fast breaks, including a crucial 3-pointer by Kane that tied the game at 49 with just over a minute remaining. Despite a late miss, the team secured defensive rebounds to keep the score level. The quarter concluded with WT outscoring the Greyhound 17–3, resulting in a tie at 49, setting up a tense finish.
 
The Lady Buffs faced a challenging fifth period, starting with Chloe Dallas from Eastern New Mexico putting the visitors ahead with a free throw early in the period. Despite a defensive block against Karley Motschenbacher, she scored two consecutive free throws, keeping the home team close. ENMU extended their lead after layups from Martrice Brooks and Nataya Lockett.
 
Harding contributed a jumper to narrow the gap, while Bell's performance from the free-throw line helped reduce the deficit to one. However, Eastern New Mexico maintained their edge with efficient free-throw shooting, including two by Lockett, to ensure their lead.
 
Kane led the team with 18 points, connecting on 6 of 16 field goal attempts, including two 3-pointers. Harding contributed 15 points and secured two steals, showcasing her presence on both ends of the floor. Winfrey added 10 points and three assists, converting 7 of 8 free throw attempts. Bell recorded three steals and collected four rebounds, adding defensive tenacity to the effort.
 
The Lady Buffs return to the court on Thursday night as they welcome the UT Dallas Comets to the First United Bank Center with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. in Canyon.