PLAINVIEW --- Despite one of their most hard-fought performances of the young season, the Wayland Baptist Flying Queens came up just a few possessions short Friday evening, dropping a 68–64 decision to Northern New Mexico inside the Hutcherson Center.
The Queens came out with purpose, grabbing a 15–11 lead after the first quarter behind hot perimeter shooting from
Jadyn Trusler, who knocked down a pair of early threes, and steady defensive pressure that forced Northern New Mexico into seven turnovers in the opening period.
Wayland maintained its edge throughout the second quarter, trading blows in a back-and-forth stretch that showcased both teams' ability to score in transition. A three from Ariana Berryhill helped keep the Queens out front early in the frame, while
Cania Mitchell added a corner three and a strong finish at the rim to keep the Queens within one at halftime, trailing only 27–26.
Junior guard
Peyton North delivered one of her strongest performances of the season, pouring in 16 points, including three triples, while adding four steals and four assists. North's back-to-back baskets mid-third quarter helped spark a 9–2 run that gave Wayland its largest lead of the night at 47–38 with 3:30 remaining in the period.
Trusler joined the surge with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Mitchell powered her way to 10 points and 8 rebounds, giving WBU a reliable interior presence throughout the night.
But Northern New Mexico rode the scoring of standout guard Jayden Jenkins, who poured in a game-high 25 points—several of them in critical moments—to chip away at the Queens' lead. A late three from Rhianna Padilla with 10 seconds left in the third tied the game at 48–48 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw nine lead changes, with both teams trading tough buckets and defensive stands. Wayland briefly regained control behind a clutch three from Paulina Lopez and a mid-range jumper from Mistidawn Roybal, pushing the Queens back within one at 57–58.
But every time the Flying Queens seized momentum, Jenkins and GG Romero answered for the Eagles.
Berryhill buried her third triple of the night with 1:35 remaining, pulling Wayland within 64–61 after Northern New Mexico had gone ahead by five. Moments later,
Teodora Popovic sliced through the lane for a critical layup to make it 64–63 with 24 seconds left.
Yet the final possessions belonged to Northern New Mexico. The Eagles hit five late free throws—including four from Romina Lopez—to fend off the Queens' final push.
Wayland had one last chance with four seconds left, but a turnover erased the opportunity, and the Eagles closed out the scoring at 68–64.
Wayland Baptist now turns its attention to Sooner Athletic Conference play when they travel to Siloam Springs, Arkansas for a contest against the John Brown Golden Eagles on Thursday, November 20
th. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
