HILO, HI -- Western New Mexico's men's basketball team won its third game in a row Thursday, but this time it was a couple of thousand miles from Silver City. WNMU knocked off host Hawaii-Hilo 83-70 in a game that the Mustangs were in control of from the start. The round one win in the Hilo Shootout moves Western to 3-0, while Hilo slipped to 1-2.

The Mustangs led 36-26 at the half after taking control after just four minutes into the game. Western shot an impressive 53 percent from the field to Hilo's 40 percent.

Junior Trey Clarkson (Tucson, AZ/Sal Pointe High School) continued his strong play by scoring 21 points along with five rebounds and five assists. Senior Jason Jackson (Albuquerque, NM/Highland High School) also had a good Thanksgiving, scoring 15 points after going 6-of-9 from the field. DJ Nicholas (Glendale, AZ/Glendale High School) (14) and Devin Stewart (Tucson, AZ/) (13) also scored in double figures. Senior Kris Taylor (Mesa, AZ/Dobson High School) was the rebounding leader for Western, with seven.

Rashad Balal led Hilo's scoring with 22.

The Mustangs face RMAC foe Fort Lewis Friday in a non-conference game before seeing Hilo again on Saturday.