Laguna Acoma, NM -- Western New Mexico's Men's Basketball team dropped a nailbiter in its season opener Friday night against intra-state rival Eastern New Mexico University, 78-72, in Acoma. The game, which was sponsored by the New Mexico Sports Authority and played at Laguna Pueblo High School, was a classic with Eastern holding as much as an 11-point lead at one time in the second half before WNMU closed the gap to take a two-point lead before surrendering it again.

Poor free throw shooting ultimately cost WNMU the game, however, as the Greyhounds were able to put it away when they were at the charity stripe.

WNMU trailed by three at halftime but didn't give themselves much of a chance going 12-of-25 free throws in the game.

DJ Nicholas (Glendale, AZ/Glendale High School) led the Mustangs in scoring with 21 points, while Trey Clarkson (Tucson, AZ/Sal Pointe High School) added 16.

"We did a lot of good things, but we have to have more of a killer instinct," said WNMU Head Coach Mark Coleman. "We have to get that mentality or our games are going to be close like tonight. I think we are going to be good, but its hard to sneak up on people...they are gunning for us, so it will take a lot of effort."

The Mustangs will travel to Turlock, California this week for a November 23 meeting with Asuza Pacific and most likely CSU-Stanislaus on November 24 in a Thanksgiving tournament. Western's home opener is November 28 against Grand Canyon.

For game stats, click here.