MESA, Ariz., - The Arizona Western Lady Matadors' Women's Basketball team (11-3, 7-0) pushed its winning streak to nine games with a 51-47 win over Mesa (8-4, 3-3) thanks to a combined 28 points from Dyvine Harris and Alynna Palacios on Wednesday evening at Theo Heap Gymnasium.

Harris and Palacios each scored 14 points to help the Lady Matadors win in their return from the holiday break.

The Lady Matadors opened the first quarter scoring five of the first six points to jump out to the early lead before Mesa used a 7-1 run to take an 8-6 lead. Harris ignited a 5-0 run with a made three-pointer and a layup to put the Lady Matadors in front 13-12 and Arizona Western took a 16-15 lead into the second quarter. Rita Gomes canned a three-pointer early in the second quarter as the Lady Matadors outscored the Thunderbirds 13-8 to take a 29-23 halftime lead.

Mesa came out strong in the third, scoring eight of the first 10 points to tie the game at 31-31. Harris gave the Lady Matadors the lead back with a three and pushed the lead up to 36-31 with a layup. Mesa closed the third on a 4-0 run, cutting the Lady Matadors' lead to 36-35 at the end of three quarters. Both teams traded 6-0 runs in the fourth quarter before Arizona Western rattled off eight straight points to grab the lead back. Palacios hit three free throws down the stretch to seal the 51-47 win.

Alliance Ndiba finished the game with a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while Davielis Berroa grabbed nine rebounds in the win.

The Lady Matadors return home on Saturday, January 6, hosting Scottsdale at 2:00 pm at the House Gymnasium.  Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors while Arizona Western College students get in free with their AWC ID.