Stafford Paces the Anteaters Past Roadrunners

RENO — Megan Stafford scored 15 of her career-high 30 points in the final 10 minutes as UC Irvine pulled away for a 65-54 victory over New Mexico State at the Lawlor Events Center Wednesday night.

Stafford, a freshman, made 10 of 13 shots and seven of nine free throws. She also had six rebounds and four assists.

It was only Irvine’s second victory over New Mexico State in the last 14 meetings. Irvine (15-12) faces Long Beach State, which has beaten UCI 17 of the last 18 times.

Irvine led, 26-23, at halftime, but slowly increased that lead with the play of Sabrina Roberson, who at one stage scored eight consecutive points for the Anteaters. Roberson finished with 13 points.

The Anteaters won despite getting only three points from Leticia Oseguera, who entered the game averaging 17 points.