No one can say that WNMU had an easy nonconference schedule this season. Playing in their fifth NCAA Division I game this season with one more to go, the Mustangs were defeated by Sam Houston State, 64-48, Wednesday evening at the Bank of the West Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational. WNMU continues to show improvement, though, despite their 3-9 record. They should be ready when they enter conference play again this weekend.

Sam Houston State bumps up to 7-5 on the season.

The Bearkats never trailed in the contest, jumping out to an 11-2 lead in the opening five minutes. Sam Houston State then built a 35-22 halftime advantage and eventually a 25-point lead in the second half before WNMU closed the gap to 16 at the final buzzer.

WNMU was limited to just .293 from the field (17-58) while hitting only 6 of 33 attempts from the arc. The Mustang defense stepped up though. Sam Houston State didn't shoot very well from the floor either. They hit only .424 of their shots (25-59), .231 from downtown (6-26), and .500 from the charity stripe (8-16). 

Chad Carter (Tucson, AZ, Ironwood Ridge High School) led the Mustangs with 13 points. He was the only WNMU player to record double figures. Three others had eight points. Chuck Kempf (Chicago, IL, Lakes High School, Trinidad Junior College) had a strong defensive night with eight rebounds and four steals. He also dished the ball well as he marked three assists.

Josten Crow and Marcus James each scored 12 points to lead Sam Houston State. Lance Pevehouse and Marcus Williams also scored in double figures for the Bearkats, adding 11 and 10 points respectively.

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