Box Score ESPANOLA, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University men's basketball team fell at Northern New Mexico College, 75-62, last night in non-conference action to open the 2013-14 regular season.


WNMU opened the scoring with a basket by CJ Grigg (Reno, NV/). Edward Estavillo (Wilcox, AZ/Wilcox) connected on a three a few seconds later to keep the Mustangs in front by two at 5-3 when NNMC fought back to go ahead, 9-5, four minutes in.


The Eagles would go in front by as much as eight when a Marcos Castrillo (San Francisco, CA/Pinole Valley) jumper brought WNMU to within two at 23-21 with 4:51 to play before halftime. NNMC closed the half strong to take a 35-28 lead into halftime.


"We shot poorly, rebounded poorly and didn't take care of the ball," First-year Head Coach Jeff Law said. "That's the perfect recipe for defeat. We have a long way to go."


They would continue with the momentum scoring the first four points of the second half to go in front by 11. NNMC would push the lead into the 20's ahead 55-33 near the midway point of the second half.


Steven Loucks (Yuma, AZ/Cibola) helped the Mustangs to get within 14 at 72-58 with a jumper with just over a minute to play in the game. Christian Velasquez (El Paso, TX/Hanks) closed the scoring with a late jumper that helped provide the final score of 75-62.


WNMU connected on 24-of-63 (38.1) from the field, while NNMC hit at a 46.9 percent clip (23-49). The Eagles also held a nine to four edge in three-pointers and made 10 more free throws (20-10).


Brelan Berry (Chandler, AZ/Basha High School) led the way with 17 points, as Grigg added 10 more.


WNMU will conclude the road trip Saturday night with a exhibition contest against Division I Grand Canyon University with tip off set for 7 p.m.