De Hoyos hits game-winning FT, Mustangs defeat Wildcats 40-39
In this article:
BELEN, NM — The West Mesa Mustangs advanced to 2-0 after beating the Lovington Wildcats in the ‘Hub City’ Tournament with a free-throw after the final buzzer. It was a physical game with both teams having to work for their…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBELEN, NM — The West Mesa Mustangs advanced to 2-0 after beating the Lovington Wildcats in the ‘Hub City’ Tournament with a free-throw after the final buzzer.
It was a physical game with both teams having to work for their shots. Playing zone on both sides, the Wildcats and Mustangs relied on the 3ball. Only fitting for the game to come down to a 3-point attempt at the final buzzer. After a barrage of 3s late in the 4th quarter, the game was tied 39-39 with 7 seconds left. Possession belonged to West Mesa but the Mustangs needed to go the full length of the court to get a shot off. As time wound down, the ball landed in the hands of Marissa De Hoyos and a shot was put up as the buzzer sounded. Suddenly, a foul was called with the clock at 0:00 — One could argue it was a questionable call, and it would be tough to disagree — leaving De Hoyos to win the game at the foul-line. De Hoyos would have been granted three attempts but only needed one. Marissa finished with 12 points — all in the 4th quarter — going 3/3 behind the arc. The senior guard had no hesitation in catch and shoot situations, letting it fly from the corners.
Marsai Martinez Marsai Martinez 5'4" | PF West Mesa | 2024 State NM had 12 points (4/5 3PT) and was all over the court defensively. Martinez was at the top of the 1-2-2 extended zone, suffocating and harassing Wildcat guards. Her ability to stay in front and apply pressure, resulted in West Mesa forcing several turnovers leading to layups. Cece Thrasher Cece Thrasher SG West Mesa | 2024 State NM and Monique Sena Monique Sena PG West Mesa | 2025 State NM each had 6 points, Olivia Fresquez Olivia Fresquez SF West Mesa | 2024 State NM had 4.
Lovington’s Elizabeth Buendia finished with a game high 20 points (9/10 FT). Buendia not only did damage from the charity stripe, but also knocked down some big time shots from deep (3/5 3PT). Elizabeth made a pair of transition pull up 3s late in the game — inside 1:20 — to even the score. One of which was heavily contested at the top of the key with three Mustang defenders closing out on her. Malaiya Castro Malaiya Castro CG Lovington | 2026 State NM chipped in with 7 points, Ashelynn Borunda Ashelynn Borunda SG Lovington | 2026 State NM who provided great energy, gave the Wildcats a spark in the 2nd quarter with back-to-back layups; Borunda had 6 on the night. Lastly Aubrey Aranda Aubrey Aranda SF Lovington | 2025 State NM finished with 5 points.
Next Up
West Mesa (2-0) | 12/8 vs Manzano (2-2) @ 6 p.m. ‘Hub City’ Tournament in Belen
Lovington (4-2) | 12/8 @ Belen (3-1) @ 4 p.m. ‘Hub City’ Tournament in Belen