LAS CRUCES, New Mexico — Utah Valley University fell on Saturday afternoon at New Mexico State in the Pan American Center, 70-39. The game was part of the WAC/Conference USA scheduling alliance.
 
The Wolverines (4-6) struggled from the field and found themselves in a hole in the first half that they couldn't climb out of. Liana Kaitu'u led Utah Valley with 11 points while NM State's Jaila Harding led all players with 17, on 6-for-7 shooting, while three other Aggies reached double figures.
 
The game was tied at 6-6 in the opening quarter when the Aggies (5-3) ran off eight straight points. The Wolverines got back within four, 16-12, late in the first but an offensive rebound and put with 10 seconds left gave NM State an 18-12 lead after one. The Aggies had six second-chance points in the quarter after four offensive rebounds.
 
UVU suffered through a 2-for-13 stretch from the field while NM State made 5-of-6 to end the first and begin the second, to extend the lead to 28-16 midway through the second quarter.
 
The Wolverines dealt with foul trouble early and often. Leading scorer Kylee Mabry was whistled for two quick fouls in the first, picked up her third in the second, and was limited to five first-half minutes. Kaitu'u and Tessa Chaney were also called for three fouls each in the first half.
 
UVU was outscored 17-5 in the second quarter after struggling from the floor while New Mexico State went 6-for-12 to build a 35-17 at the half.
 
The Aggies stretched the lead to 23 with five straight points to begin the third. The Wolverines were able to get shots to fall but NM State kept pace on its offensive end. Kaylee Byon had five points in the third but a late 3-pointer from Lucia Lenes gave the Aggies a comfortable 54-31 lead after three.
 
NM State finished 25-for-47 (53.2%) from the floor while the Wolverines were 14-for-50 (28%). The Wolverines will return home next Thursday, Dec. 21 to host Sam Houston in the final non-conference game of the season. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. from the UCCU Center.