Air Force Academy
New Mexico
Air Force Loses to New Mexico, 65-43
1/17/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 17, 2004
The Air Force women's basketball team dropped its conference opener 65-43 to New Mexico on Saturday (Jan. 17) at Clune Arena. The Falcons played well throughout, but struggled from both the field and the free throw line in the 22-point loss. They fall to 3-11 overall and 0-1 in league play.
The Falcons fell behind early and could never recover. Several miscues in the opening minutes of play cost the team a chance to gain some early momentum and Air Force trailed by 12 midway through the first half. They were able to cut into the lead slightly, and the teams headed into the locker rooms at the break with the Lobos leading by seven, 29-22.
New Mexico missed several shots to open the second half and the Falcons were able to pull to within six, but it was as close as they would get. After a timeout, the Lobos came back with more determination and intensity. They pulled away, gradually extending their lead throughout the remainder of the game. Their defense held the Falcons to just 43 points, their lowest scoring output of the season.
The Falcons struggled from the field, shooting just 31.3 percent (15-48). They also continued to have problems making free throws, going just 9-of-20 (45 percent) from the charity stripe. They team has struggled from the line all season and is shooting a league-low 60.3 percent.
Air Force was led in scoring and rebounding by Amoy Jackson, who had 14 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Letricia Castillo added 12 points for the Falcons. Lindsey Arndt had 14 points and nine rebounds for the Lobos, and Lauren McLeod notched 11.
The Falcons will be back in action next weekend, when they head to Utah to take on the Utes and BYU. They face the Cougars on Thursday (Jan. 22), followed by Utah on Saturday (Jan. 24).
Additional Notes: The win over the Falcons was the 13th straight for the Lobos. New Mexico head coach Don Flanagan issued a tremendous compliment to the Falcons when in a post-game interview said it was the best Air Force team he has seen in nine years.
