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New Mexico State’s Shania Harper, left) and Aaliyah Prince put the press on Utah Valley’s Shay Fano during Saturday’s action in Orem, Utah. (NMSU courtesy photo)

OREM, Utah – The New Mexico state women’s basketball team dropped a 56-47 decision to Utah Valley in Western Athletic Conference play at the UCCU Center in Orem on Saturday afternoon.

Both the Aggies (5-10, 3-5 WAC) and Wolverines (8-5, 6-4) played great defense with both teams shooting just 36-percent from the field for the game. Despite the struggles, New Mexico State found itself with a one-point lead, 39-38, heading into the fourth quarter.

However, Utah Valley shut the Aggies down for the rest of the period and came away with the victory. New Mexico State forced 13 turnovers but was outrebounded 38-35 on the afternoon.

Aaliyah Prince and Deja Terrell each scored nine points with Terrell grabbing eight boards. Shania Harper and Rodrea Echols both added eight points. Echols stayed hot from deep shooting 2-2 from beyond the arc.

NMSU now will host Tarleton State at Eastwood High School in El Paso on Feb. 26 and 27 with both games set to tip at 1 p.m. (MT). No fans are allowed to attend but both games are set to broadcast live on the WAC Digital Network as well as 91.5 FM KRUX and TuneIn.

Box score: Utah Valley 57, New Mexico State 46