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Publication: The Collegian, , California State University - Fresno, Fresno, CA
New Mexico had a chance to take the lead in the final seconds, only for Hanna Cavinder to take it right from their hands.
With the Lobos trailing 73-72 with 27 seconds left, Cavinder stole the ball from guard Jaedyn De La Cerda, and Aly Gamez knocked down two free throws to ice the game.
Haley Cavinder followed her sister Hanna with another crucial steal on the next New Mexico possession. But when Hanna missed both free throws, the game rested on a 3-point attempt from De La Cerda to tie the game.
It fell short, bouncing off the front rim and out.
It was one final instance of New Mexico not executing down the stretch, in a game decided by plays in the final minute.
“Give Fresno credit, they made the plays down the stretch to win,” New Mexico head coach Mike Bradbury said. “They’re hard to play against. I mean, they score the ball, and they’re the only team in the league to have two players of the year on the same team.”
And with that, No. 4 Fresno State held on to defeat No. 1 New Mexico, 77-72, Tuesday to advance to the Mountain West women’s basketball championship game.
“I really think it was our defense down the stretch,” Fresno State head coach Jaime White said. “Hanna grabbed the ball, and we came up with the ball in key positions. That’s really what we’ve been...