Lobos win impressively; Duff sets 3s record
UNM gets back over .500 in league play
RENO, Nev. — LaTascya Duff became New Mexico’s all-time career leader in 3-point baskets Saturday, hitting six during the Lobos’ 79-71 win at Nevada in Mountain West Conference women’s basketball action.
Duff, a senior from Samson, Alabama, along with teammate and twin sister LaTora, scored a game-high 23 points in leading the Lobos (15-11, 7-6) to a critical win. She now has 223 career 3s, surpassing both Katie Montgomery (221) and Amy Beggin (218) in going from third place to UNM career leader.
Duff piloted an efficient performance for UNM, which controlled the game in a way the final score didn’t indicate. The Lobos led by 19 (73-54) with less than five minutes left.
Shaiquel McGruder added 18 points and Aniyah Augmon came off the bench for 14 points for the Lobos.
“I thought we played really hard and were very focused, which was the most important thing,” said Lobos coach Mike Bradbury. “Offensively we did a good job attacking the basket and breaking down the defense. The first three quarters were really pretty good.”
Saturday’s victory drew UNM even with Air Force for sixth place in the league. New Mexico has opportunities remaining in the regular season, with three of its last five games in the Pit — and three games against the bottom three teams in the standings.
Alyssa Jimenez’s 20 points led four double-figure scorers for the Wolf Pack (9-16, 6-8). Nevada executed a low-turnover game and held its own on the boards (UNM had a 38-33 edge).
But, as in the first matchup between the two teams (an 88-58 UNM win), Nevada struggled on 3s. The Pack hit only 3-of-15 tries, half of what LaTascya Duff got on her own Saturday, in eight attempts.
“Tay had a great game. and breaking the record is a big achievement,” Bradbury said. “I’m happy for her.”