PORTALES, N.M. - TWU went on a 17-10 run in the final eight minutes, but it wasn't enough as the Pioneers dropped a 62-59 decision to Eastern New Mexico on Wednesday night.
With the loss TWU falls to 10-9 on the season and 5-8 in the Lone Star Conference.
Junior Raquel Cuffie led three Pioneers in double figures with a career-high 17 points.She was 5 of 8 from the floor and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line.
Junior Brittney Nuzum added 13 points, while senior Jessica Hanna added 11. Senior Cambria Smith scored seven points and handed out a game-high seven assists.
Eastern New Mexico shot 48 percent in the first half and led 30-26 at the break. The Zias built a seven-point lead with 1:04 to go in the half, but TWU closed with a 5-2 run.
ENMU scored the first two baskets in the second half, but the Pioneers used a 10-3 run to cut the deficit to 37-36. The Zias answered and led 56-47 with 8:21 left.
The Pioneers rallied late, but couldn't find a way to get over the hump against their opponents.
"We missed out on the chance to win on the road," TWU head coach Beth Jillson said."We did not execute well on offense and missed some easy shots.
"I am happy that we got to the free-throw line 19 times and forced 17 turnovers."
The Pioneers return to action Saturday at home against West Texas A&M. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Kitty Magee Arena.
 
