UNM women crush Nevada in MWC opener

Jaedyn De La Cerda led five Lobos in double figures with 21 points as the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team routed Nevada, 88-69, in Reno, Nevada, Thursday night (Dec. 31).

UNM never trailed and opened a double-digit lead less than three minutes into the game on a layup by Shaiquel McGruder. The Lobos (4-0 overall, 1-0 Mountain West Conference) led 28-8 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 27-point lead into halftime. Nevada (4-2, 0-1) did not pose a threat in the second half.

McGruder finished with 15 points while three Lobos – LaTora Duff, LaTascya Duff and Ahilse Hurst – each had 13. De La Cerda’s stat line included a team-high nine rebounds with five assists.

The teams will take Friday off and play again Saturday afternoon at the Lawlor Events Center.

United signs Isidro Martínez

New Mexico United announced the signing of Isidro Martínez ahead of the 2021 USL Championship Season. Martínez, who played the last two seasons with Río Grande Valley Toros FC, comes to New Mexico having played in all 48 matches since his professional debut, and starting 43 of 48, according to a statement from the team. In 2019, the midfielder/ forward set the RGVFC record with 8 assists on the season.

“Isidro is an intelligent center midfielder that understands how to set the rhythm for his team, along with having the quality to play the final pass,” said New Mexico United Head Coach/Technical Director Troy Lesesne. “He has a fantastic engine and is willing to run for his teammates. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact he makes with our club.”

In addition to a successful and impactful two years with RGVFC, Martínez tallied nine goals and 13 assists at the University of Texas Río Grande Valley. (2015-2018) He also played for USL League 2’s South Georgia Tormenta in 2018, where he appeared in 12 matches. In 2015, Martínez was named the USA Today Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year.