PHOENIX (Interstat) — The New Mexico Lobos held off a late rally to defeat the Grand Canyon Antelopes 70-68 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Wednesday night at Grand Canyon University Arena.

New Mexico built an early lead and maintained a narrow advantage throughout, despite a strong second-half push from Grand Canyon. The Antelopes’ Julianna LaMendola scored a game-high 22 points, and Casey Valenti-Paea added 18. Joana Magalhães led the Lobos with 17 points and five assists. New Mexico’s interior dominance proved decisive, as it outscored Grand Canyon 38-16 in the paint and secured 15 offensive rebounds. The Lobos also forced 16 turnovers while committing 11. Attendance was 603. New Mexico improved to 18-9 overall, while Grand Canyon fell to 9-17.