Buzzer beaters and last second heroics are a part of basketball. That’s exactly how the WTAMU Lady Buffs defeated Eastern New Mexico on Saturday, Feb. 26. Two free throws by freshman Casey Land in the final five seconds, combined with a missed shot by ENM’s Kiara Tate at the buzzer gave the Lady Buffs a 69-68 victory over the Zias. The victory gave WT’s women the number two seed in the LSC tournament.

The game began with both teams trading shots. The Lady Buffs proceeded to jump out to a 19-13 lead 12 minutes 30 seconds into the first half. The Zias would counter with a 17-6 run giving them a 30-25 lead two minutes before halftime. Eastern New Mexico took a 34-26 advantage into the locker room.

The second half started very similar to the first, with both teams trading shots. The Zias gained their biggest lead midway through the second half at 55-47. WT showed resiliency in not letting the Zias’ lead grow. Their resolve would pay off when Land made her two free throws with five seconds remaining. Eastern New Mexico’s last chance was foiled when Tate missed a jumper with no time remaining.

The Lady Buffs’ Jamie Simmons was the leading scorer with 25 points. Simmons also became the 18th Lady Buff to eclipse 1,000 career points. Land finished the night with 15 points. Tate led Eastern New Mexico with 20 points. Vanessa O’Neal and Cat Clay also finished in double digits for the Zias, with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

WT’s next game will come as the number two seed in the LSC tournament. They will face off against the third seeded Texas Woman’s Pioneers, Wed., March 2, at 6 p.m. in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.