Lobo women roll

Ten players scored as New Mexico opened the Mountain West Conference women's basketball tournament by rolling 84-41 over Air Force.

The fourth-seeded Lobos (21-9) advanced to Wednesday's 4:30 p.m. quarterfinals, where they will play the winner of today's Wyoming-Colorado State game, which began at 4:30 p.m. No. 9 Air Force ended its season 4-26.

New Mexico would have received the day off under last year's format, but the Lobos were forced to play in one of three first-round games. Lobos coach Don Flanagan said the experience is better than any hard practice he could have put his team through.

"Playing any opponent is excellent for you, and if you have some success and win that game, you feel more comfortable in the tournament," Flanagan said. "I think feeling comfortable in a tournament is probably as important as any preparation that you could have."

He ought to know. The Lobos have won the tournament the past two seasons.

Amy Beggin made 4 of 8 3-pointers to lead New Mexico with 18 points. Jessica Kielpinski scored 13 points, and Angela Hartill had 11.

Air Force coach Ardie McInelly said jokingly New Mexico has "eight or 20 people who can score."

Liz Dunsworth led the Falcons with 12 points.