Western New Mexico got revenge on Western State as they denied the Mountaineers a season sweep with a 70-65 win at Drag's Court Thursday. Western State defeated the Mustangs, 89-64, in Gunnison two weeks ago, but WNMU's tenacious defense would allow the visitors a chance to take the regular season series. The win moves WNMU to 5-15 (5-9 RMAC) while the WSC falls to 9-14 (7-8 RMAC).
The Mountaineers took a four-point lead into the locker room at the intermission, but the Mustangs turned up the pressure in the second stanza, holding the visitors to just 39 percent from the floor. Western New Mexico responded with 51 percent from the floor to take the lead and ultimately the game.
The Mustangs were out-rebounded in the game by Western State, 44-37, but forced 23 turnovers while only giving the ball up 15 times.
WNMU got double figures from four players in a balanced scoring attack.
Dana Alexander (Fort Worth, TX, Arlington Heights High School, Kilgore College; East Texas Baptist University) led the way with 23 points on the night.
Lonnie Sanchez (Scottsdale, AZ, St. Mary's High School, Central Arizona College),
Krystal Davis (Fort Worth, TX, North Crowley High School, South Plains Junior College), and
Ashley Vigil (Albuquerque, NM, Sandia High School) all chipped in 10.
Western State's Brooke Pendergraft led the Mountaineer attack with 11 points, but nine players on the roster scored points.
