Western New Mexico's men's basketball team was out-shot and out-rebounded but forced 20 turnovers as they got their fifth win of the season with a 74-66 win over visiting University of Nebraska-Kearney Thursday night. The tally was WNMU's fourth conference win on the season against two losses. Overall, WNMU improved to 5-8.
Neither team shot the ball very well as both defenses stole the show Thursday. WMNMU shot a lukewarm 35 percent from the floor to UNK's 37. The Lopers also held an advantage on the glass, clearing 48 boards to the Mustangs' 42. The advantage swung WNMU's way as the visitors committed 20 turnovers while the Mustangs just gave up the ball 10 times on their side of the court. The locals also tallied 14 free throws from 18 attempts for a solid 77 percent.
WNMU led at the half, 36-32.
The Mustangs balanced scoring attack was led by a double-double effort from
Chad Carter (Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge High School)with 14, and both
Eli Crevelone (Tucson, AZ, Canyon Del Oro High School) and
Justin Williams (Phoenix, AZ, Paradise Valley High School, Phoenix College) were nipping at his heels with 12.
Stefan Mirabal (Albuquerque, NM, Sandia High School) added 11. Carter also had 11 rebounds.
Kearney also got a double-double from Max Froehlich who pulled 11 boards and scored 20 points on the night. Michael Vandahl added 13 points as well.
The Mustangs return to action Saturday night as Chadron States tries their luck on Drag's Court. Game time is set for 8:00pm.
