LUBBOCK, Texas – Meloney Thames scored 10 of her 14 points in the fourth quarter, Sakyia White pulled down a career-high 25 rebounds and Jones upset No. 7 New Mexico JC, 61-52, in the opening round of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament on Wednesday.

Jones, winners of eight straight in the postseason, will face No. 17 Blinn College (28-4) in the Sweet Sixteen Thursday at 8 p.m. on the NJCAA Network. 

A year after entering the national tournament undefeated and falling to Western Nebraska in the first round, head coach Missy Bilderback says her squad has a different attitude about them.

"There was a lot of pressure entering last year's tournament as the No. 1 seed and things just didn't go our way," Bilderback said. "This year's team is playing with a ton of confidence and with a little bit of a chip on their shoulders being the No. 23 seed. We feel we can beat anybody on any given night and have as good as an opportunity as anyone to win this tournament."

Jones (23-7) led 17-12 after a quarter of play, but trailed 25-23 at the break.

The Bobcats' play in the second half would then set the tone for the rest of the night.

Balanced scoring in the third quarter and solid defense helped Jones outscore the Thunderbirds 18-13. JC held New Mexico JC to 4-of-17 shooting in the period.

Trailing 45-43 early in the fourth quarter after back-to-back baskets from Nakyah Jones, Thames took over.

The freshman from Choctaw Central scored the next eight points for the Bobcats as part of an 18-7 spurt to close the game and help send Jones into the Sweet Sixteen.

Behind 18 points and tournament-record 25 boards from White, Thames finished with 14 and Olivia Knight added 14 points.

JC shot 43 percent for the game against 27 percent for New Mexico JC.