Air Force Academy
New Mexico
Falcons Lose to New Mexico, 71-40
2/15/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 15, 2003
The Air Force women's basketball team suffered a second-half letdown which cost them a chance at notching a victory over conference opponent New Mexico. The Falcons trailed by just six points at halftime, but were out-scored by 25 points in the second half en route to a 71-40 home loss to the Lobos.
"I was really proud with the way we played in the first half," head coach Ardie McInelly said. "Everyone played with defensive intensity. Unfortunately we were unable to sustain that intensity in the second half."
The Falcons came out slow, falling behind 11-2 at the outset. But the team regrouped and played virtually even with New Mexico through the remainder of the half. They fell behind by as many as 15 points, but closed out the half on an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to six.
The second half wasn't as kind to the Falcons. Air Force managed just nine points in the first 17 minutes of the half and were out-scored 39-14 in the half. The Lobos used runs of 16-3 and 10-2 to put the game out of reach.
The Falcons finished the game with 18 turnovers, after averaging 30 in their previous three. They shot 13-of-50 (26 percent) from the field. Shawna Neff led the team in scoring with 14 points. Jennifer Roesch chipped in 11 points. Briana Thomas grabbed nine rebounds and had two blocked shots.
Jordan Adams led all players in scoring with 17 points. Melissa Forest added 15 points, while Mandi Moore had nine points, seven boards and nine assists.
The Falcons (7-14, 1-7 MWC) will continue their three-game home stretch next weekend against Colorado State and Wyoming. They take on the Rams on Thursday, Feb. 15th at 7 p.m., followed by the Cowgirls on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
