The Western New Mexico University Mustangs battled in the last minute at CSU – Pueblo and walked away with the big win, 72-69. The Mustangs will now play hosts to the Adams State Grizzlies in Silver City on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in the first round of the RMAC Shootout Playoffs.

After leading by 11 at half, WNMU saw the ThunderWolves fight back to come within two, 69-67, with :35 seconds left. Senior Kris Taylor (Mesa, AZ/Dobson High School) (Mesa, AZ) then nailed two crucial free throws to put the Mustangs back up by four. With the raucous of the crowd in the new CSU – Pueblo Massari Arena, the ThunderWolves missed four straight three-point attempts, but the Mustangs could get a defensive board. CSU – Pueblo got four straight offensive boards. Eventually CSU – Pueblo settled for a deuce with just two seconds left. Junior Devin Stewart (Tucson, AZ/Santa Rita High School) (Tucson, AZ) sealed the win with a free throw with one second remaining.

The Mustangs were consistent all night, going 53 percent from the field. Stewart led the charge, going 6-for-7 from the field and 7-for-10 from the line to lead the Mustangs with 21 points. Sophomore DJ Nicholas (Glendale, AZ/Glendale High School) (Glendale, AZ) came off the bench and chipped in with 13 points in just 17 minutes.

The ThunderWolves shot 45 percent from the field and outrebounded the Mustangs by a 36-24 margin.

CSU – Pueblo's Rome Smith finished his season with 27, and outgoing senior Chris Childress added a double-double.

Click here for complete statistics.

Click here for the RMAC Shootout Playoff bracket.