Otero College built a big early lead but could not withstand a furious second-half comeback, falling 83-79 to Laramie County Community College in women’s basketball action Saturday night at McDivett Gymnasium.
The Rattlers appeared in full control through the first half, surging to a 22-13 advantage after the opening quarter behind efficient offense and active defense. Otero continued to dictate the pace in the second period, stretching the margin to 51-29 at halftime. The Rattlers’ ball movement and shot-making created consistent scoring opportunities, while their defensive pressure limited Laramie County’s rhythm for much of the first 20 minutes.
The tone of the game shifted after the break as Laramie County mounted a strong response in the third quarter. The visitors chipped away at the deficit with a combination of perimeter scoring and defensive adjustments that slowed Otero’s attack. Despite the swing in momentum, the Rattlers still held a 67-61 lead heading into the fourth quarter, setting up a tense final 10 minutes.
In the decisive stretch, Laramie County’s continued surge finally overtook Otero. Key baskets in the closing minutes, coupled with timely stops on the defensive end, allowed Laramie County to erase the remaining gap and move in front. Otero’s offense, which had been sharp early, struggled to recapture its first-half efficiency as the visitors completed the comeback and outscored the Rattlers 22-12 in the final frame to secure the 83-79 win.
Despite the loss, Otero received standout performances from multiple players, led by a historic showing from Kae'Lani Albert-Neha. Albert-Neha recorded a rare quadruple-double, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and 10 steals. Her all-around impact fueled the early surge and kept the Rattlers in front through three quarters, showcasing high-level play on both ends of the floor.
Itxasne Fernandez provided a major scoring lift, pouring in a game-high 26 points for the Rattlers. Fernandez’s production helped Otero build and momentarily sustain its double-digit advantage, giving the team a consistent offensive option throughout the night. Together, Fernandez and Albert-Neha headlined an Otero effort that was dominant early and competitive until the final horn.
Although the result slipped away late, the performance highlighted Otero’s explosive potential and the impact of its key contributors. The Rattlers will look to build on the strong first half, the historic stat line from Albert-Neha and the scoring output from Fernandez as they move forward into the remainder of the season.
