Turnovers, Free Throws Cost Lady Texans in 71-67 Road Loss at NMJC

HOBBS, NM - The South Plains College Lady Texans battled until the final moments but could not overcome shooting struggles and turnovers in a 71-67 loss to New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, New Mexico.

South Plains now sits fourth in the WJCAC standings at 7-4, tied with NMJC at 7-4, but the Thunderbirds hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series. Howard stands at 9-1 and Clarendon at 10-0 in conference play. The Lady Texans move to 19-5 overall.

Isabel Joao delivered a dominant performance with 25 points, 22 rebounds and three assists. Angelina Joao added 11 points and four rebounds, while Daniela Gongo contributed nine points and three boards.

South Plains controlled the paint with 46 points inside and added 17 second chance points, but efficiency proved to be the difference. The Lady Texans struggled from the three point line and at the free thorw line, shooting 15 percent from three point range and 34 percent from the free throw line, going 8 of 23. SPC also committed 17 turnovers, which proved costly in a tightly contested matchup.

The game featured five ties and six lead changes. South Plains' largest lead was five points in the second quarter, but NMJC capitalized late with timely free throws and key defensive stops.

With three conference games remaining, the Lady Texans turn their focus to Western Texas College, Howard College and Clarendon College. Howard and Clarendon both claimed first round victories over SPC, adding importance to the stretch run.

South Plains is off Monday and will travel to Snyder next Thursday to face Western Texas College. The Lady Texans will look to finish conference play strong and secure positioning for the Region V Tournament, scheduled for March 11-14 at Odessa College.