Highlands beat Zias in return game

Freedom New Mexico

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Whitley Coca scored 20 points to lead three Cowgirls in double figures, and New Mexico Highlands cruised to a 72-62 win over Eastern New Mexico in Monday's non-conference women's game at the John A. Wilson Complex.

Briana Gholston added 13 points and Taylor Ealey added 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Cowgirls, who jumped out to a 20-6 lead 8:27 into the contest.

Precious Herrin scored 16 points to lead the Zias (1-3), who bested the Cowgirls at Greyhound Arena on Saturday to claim their first victory of the season. Til-Lois Fifer added 13 points, but none of the other nine Zias who scored posted more than six.

Eastern rallied to cut the lead to 42-40 early in the second half, but was done in by 31 percent second-half shooting, including 0-for-6 from 3-point range.

The Zias are back home Thursday for a 6 p.m. Lone Star Conference crossover matchup with Southwestern Oklahoma State.