CHADRON, Neb. - Sisters Kapiolani and Kamalani Anitielu joined forces to score 37 points, exactly half their team's total, on Saturday afternoon as the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls downed Chadron State 74-54 in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference basketball game played in Chadron.

Kapiolani scored 19 points, 12 of them in the first half, while Kamalani tallied 18 points, 11 in the second half. The win improves Highlands to 7-9 for the season and 3-6 in the RMAC. The Chadron State women are now 1-12 and 1-7 in conference.

The Eagles were led by senior McKenzi Petersen with 12 points. No one else reached double figures for the Eagles, but Dreanna Jackson and Ella Moser each finished with eight points. Amya Winfrey stuffed the sheet for CSC with seven points and a game-high seven rebounds plus a block and a steal, while point guard Kenna Wagner had six points, four rebounds and a game-high five assists.

The Eagles got off to a strong start, making seven of 13 field goal shots, including three of six 3-pointers and three of four free throws, while taking a 20-15 first quarter lead.
However, the Cowgirls outscored CSC 21-9 in the second period to own a 36-29 halftime advantage and outscored the hosts 38-25 in the second half for the victory.

The fourth quarter when Highlands outscored the Eagles 22-11 made a big difference in the final point spread.

For the game, Highlands sank 30 of its 62 field goal shots for 48.4 percent, while the Eagles were 21 of 50 from the field for 42 percent. The visitors made six 3-pointers and eight free throws, both one more than Chadron State.

The Eagles out-rebounded Highlands 34-29, but turned the ball over 24 times while the Cowgirls had only 10. The latter totals were a big reason why the New Mexico team was able to take 12 more shots from the field than the Eagles.

Both Anitielu sisters shot the ball effectively. Kapitielu was seven of 10 from the field and Kamalani was eight of 12, giving them 15 baskets in 22 attempts for 68 percent between the two of them. They also combined for nine steals. None of their teammates had more than two.

The Eagles will hit the road next week, traveling to the far west of the RMAC to face Westminster (3-11, 0-8 RMAC) on Thursday and Colorado Mesa (18-1, 8-0 RMAC) on Saturday.

New Mexico Highlands-Kapiolani Anitielu 19, Kamalani Anitielu 18, Adrianna Torrez 10, Hailey Long 9, Aniya Johnson 9, Essynce Contreaz 4, Melika Samia 3, Jaelyn Bates 2. Totals: 30-62 FG, (6-21 3 PT), 8-15 FT, 74 points, 29 rebounds, 13 assists, 10 turnovers.

Chadron State-McKenzi Petersen 12, Dreanna Jackson 8, Ella Moser 8, Amya Winfrey 7, Kenna Wagner 6, Audrey Quintana 6, Alex Ridenour 3, Evelyn Old Coyote 2, Keziah Toran 2. Totals: 21-50 FG, (5-19 3PT), 7-11 FT, 54 points, 34 rebounds, 11 assists, 24 turnovers.