CANYON, Texas – The Angelo State University women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a thrilling 86-81 overtime victory over New Mexico Highlands on Friday afternoon at the D2CCA Tipoff Classic, overcoming a 10-point halftime deficit to earn its first win of the year.
The Rambelles trailed 36-26 at the break but began chipping away in the third quarter, outscoring the Cowgirls 20-16 to pull within six entering the final period. The Blue and Gold continued its push in the fourth, matching its opponent's scoring early before taking the lead late. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with New Mexico Highlands tying the game at 68-68 with 42 seconds remaining to send the contest into overtime.
The Belles took control in the extra period, opening with a basket from
Majik Esquivel before
Stevi Lockhart and
Kenna Wood added scores to help ASU build a five-point advantage. The Rambelles held off a late Cowgirls push, with
Taylor Grona knocking down four free throws in the final 24 seconds to secure the 86-81 victory.
Grona led all Rambelles with 20 points, going 16-for-17 at the free-throw line while adding seven rebounds and two assists. Esquivel finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three 3-pointers, while Wood contributed 16 points and seven rebounds. Lockhart rounded out the double-digit scorers with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Angelo State finished with a 48-41 advantage on the glass and converted 30 of its 39 free-throw attempts. The Belles also held a 20-18 edge in points off turnovers and received 16 points from their bench.
The Rambelles will wrap up the D2CCA Tipoff Classic on Saturday, Oct. 31, when they face MSU Denver at the First United Bank Center. Tipoff is scheduled for noon.
