HADLEY, Ky. (Interstat) — Lucia Yenes scored 26 points to lead New Mexico State to a 70-67 victory over Western Kentucky in a Conference USA women’s basketball game Thursday night at E.A. Diddle Arena. The Aggies built a 28-32 halftime lead but endured a second-half push from the Lady Toppers. Yenes, a sophomore from Madrid, Spain, secured the win with two late free throws. Imani Warren added 18 points for New Mexico State, which improved to 6-9. Salma Khedr led Western Kentucky with 18 points. The Lady Toppers fell to 4-10 despite forcing 23 turnovers and outscoring New Mexico State 23-13 in the second quarter to erase an early deficit. Western Kentucky’s Zsófia Telegdy contributed 10 points and six assists.

HADLEY, Ky. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant opening, a furious response and a tense final minute, Lucia Yenes scored 26 points and Imani Warren added 18 to lift New Mexico State to a 70-67 victory over Western Kentucky in a Conference USA women’s basketball game Thursday night at E.A. Diddle Arena. The Aggies, who led by as many as 13 points in the first half, survived a second-half rally and a frantic final sequence to secure the road win. New Mexico State improved to 6-9 overall, while Western Kentucky fell to 4-10. The most important part of the game unfolded in the final 15 seconds. With New Mexico State clinging to a 68-67 lead after Western Kentucky’s Tia Shelling converted a layup, the Aggies’ inbound pass was stolen by the Lady Toppers’ Salma Khedr. Western Kentucky called a timeout with 15 seconds remaining, setting up a potential game-winning possession. Out of the timeout, Western Kentucky’s Tatum Boettjer missed a three-point attempt from the corner. New Mexico State’s Lucia Yenes secured the critical defensive rebound and was immediately fouled by Zsófia Telegdy with seven seconds left. Yenes, a sophomore from Madrid, Spain, calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to three. Western Kentucky had one final chance, but Trinity Rowe’s desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer missed, sealing the Aggies’ victory. The game began as a defensive struggle, heavily favoring the visitors. New Mexico State’s defense smothered Western Kentucky early, holding the Lady Toppers to just nine points in the first quarter while building a 15-9 lead. The Aggies extended their advantage to 28-16 in the second quarter before Western Kentucky found its footing. Led by Salma Khedr, who scored 18 points, the Lady Toppers mounted a 23-point second quarter to cut the deficit to 28-32 at halftime. The surge continued after the break, with Western Kentucky briefly taking a lead. The teams traded baskets throughout a tightly contested second half, featuring eight ties and 10 lead changes. New Mexico State ultimately prevailed by winning key statistical battles despite significant turnover issues. The Aggies committed 23 turnovers, which Western Kentucky converted into 19 points. However, New Mexico State dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 12 offensive rebounds to Western Kentucky’s two, leading to crucial second-chance opportunities. The Aggies also outshot the Lady Toppers from the field, connecting on 51.7% of their attempts compared to 50.9% for Western Kentucky. Yenes was the offensive catalyst for New Mexico State, adding three assists and a block to her game-high point total. Warren provided essential interior defense with three blocks to complement her scoring. For Western Kentucky, Khedr’s efficient scoring was supported by Torri James with 12 points and Zsófia Telegdy, who tallied 10 points and six assists. The game was a departure from pregame projections, as National Statistical’s ELO system had given Western Kentucky a 71.6% probability to win. The announced attendance was 683. New Mexico State continues its road trip at Middle Tennessee on Saturday. Western Kentucky returns to action at home against UTEP, also on Saturday.

Preview: New Mexico State Aggies at Western Kentucky Lady Toppers HADLEY, Ky. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum to open their Conference USA schedules will meet Thursday when the New Mexico State Aggies visit the Western Kentucky Lady Toppers at E.A. Diddle Arena. Both squads enter with sub-.500 overall records. New Mexico State (5-9) snapped a three-game skid with a 64-57 overtime victory over Delaware on Sunday. Western Kentucky (4-9) looks to halt a three-game losing streak after falling 78-64 at Kennesaw State. The Aggies will lean on forward Morane Dossou, who is coming off a double-double performance with 11 points and 12 rebounds in 35 minutes against Delaware. Dossou has been a consistent force, including a 15-point, 17-rebound, 6-assist outing in a loss at Saint Mary’s last month. The Lady Toppers counter with guard Zsófia Telegdy, who scored a season-high 20 points in the loss to Kennesaw State. Telegdy has averaged 13.0 points over her last four games and will be a primary offensive focus for Western Kentucky. New Mexico State’s win over Delaware also featured a double-double from Lucia Yenes (10 points, 10 rebounds) and 11 points off the bench from Keira Hudson. Western Kentucky’s recent struggles include a 48-point offensive output in a 27-point road loss to Jacksonville State on Jan. 2. The matchup opens a critical January conference slate for both programs. New Mexico State continues its road trip at Middle Tennessee on Saturday. Western Kentucky remains at home to host UTEP on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday night. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.