Lady Mustangs bolt past Northern New Mexico in home opener

It took a while for The Master's University women's basketball team to create some definitive separation from Northern New Mexico on Friday.
 
When they did, though, it was decisive as the Mustangs beat the Eagles 83-49 in TMU's regular-season home opener.
 
The No. 4 Mustangs improved to 3-0.
 
"Proud of our effort today," said TMU head coach Dan Waldeck.  "Definitely working out some kinks with different lineups, positions, and rotations."
 
That may have had something to do with the Eagles hanging around for a bit.  They didn't trail by more than six points in the opening quarter.
 
The complexion of the game changed, though, when the Mustangs used some stifling defense and a hot hand from the field to spark a 12-0 run for a 41-20 lead.
 
The Mustangs shot 8-of-11 from the field in the second quarter and held the Eagles to 3-of-16 accuracy, taking a 42-22 lead into halftime.
 
Sophomore center Stephanie Soares had 12 of her game-high 16 points before intermission on 5-of-6 shooting. 
 
Six other teammates scored at least half a dozen points in a balanced attack.
 
All-American forward Anika Neuman just missed a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds.  Her six assists were a game high.
 
Senior guard Sabrina Thompson was the only other Mustang in double figures, scoring 11 points.

Soares also notched her third double-double in as many outings this season, taking down a game-high 10 rebounds.
 
"I liked how we tightened down in the second half with a couple of our focus points," Waldeck said. "We shared the ball well and communicated well."
 
The club won't have much time to dwell on the win with a quick turnaround. They host Pomona-Pitzer at 5 p.m. on Saturday. 
 
"They were in the NCAA tourney (Division III) a year ago and have most everybody back," said Waldeck.  "So, they'll present some unique challenges for us, which will be great for the team."