
A low scoring second quarter by the Vikings was the difference in a 78-59 defeat to third ranked New Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 17.
After having the start they had hoped for, jumping out to an early 8-5 lead after a layup from Kayla Jones, and later 10-9 on a jumper from Tay Biglow, New Mexico took the lead on the ensuing possession to go up 11-10, and led 22-17 at the end of the first quarter.
Fia Fiolialli started the second quarter with a three pointer to pull the Vikings within 22-20, but New Mexico got hot, going on a 19-3 run in the second quarter (Madison Carter hit a three late in the quarter) and the Vikings went into half trailing 41-23.
The Vikings continued battling in the second half, doing everything they could to close the gap. They held New Mexico scoreless for a three minute stretch in the third quarter, but could not get any closer on the scoreboard, getting outscored by just 37-36 on the scoreboard.
"Yes we lost by 19, but I also think that there's a light and a hope that we can see them again," Head Coach Steve Lowe said. "They went zone on us in the second quarter, we went stagnant and kudos to New Mexico, but we're going to be ok."
Carter led the Vikings in scoring with 15 points. Madison Martin added 12 points, and Kayla Jones had 10. The Vikings were at a height dis-advantage, but limited the Thunderbirds of New Mexico to just eight offensive rebounds.
The Vikings went 2-1 at the New Mexico Classic, knocking off a pair of top-25 teams and are a 6-1 team as the end of November looms.
"I believe we are a top 25 program," he said. "I believe New Mexico is potentially the number one team in the country, and we competed with them. We have a ways to go, but I like where our team is at, and I'm excited where the ceiling is at with this team."
The Vikings return home this week to take on Coach Lowe's former team, the Murray State Aggies. Tip-off from Viking Gym is set for 2pm.