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Western New Mexico University Athletics

Western New Mexico University Athletics
MBB
Jay Hemphill, WNMU

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Free Throws Deciding Factor in Espanola

Espanola, N.M. -- In their first of two exhibitions to start the season, the Mustang Men's Basketball team traveled five hours north to faceoff with the Eagles of Northern New Mexico. What appeared to be an even match up, came down to free throws as the Eagles defended home court with a slim 76-73 win.
 
TOP PERFORMERS:
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate) – 20 points (career high) | 2 steals | 2 assists | 4 rebounds
Elijah Holifield (Atlanta, GA/Pace Academy) – 14 points | 4 rebounds | 1 steal
Malik Sanders (Durham, NC/Smithfield-Selma ) – 12 points | 1 assist | 4-6 FG
CJ Vanbeekum (Phoenix, AZ/Paradise) – 5 rebounds | 1 steal
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
  • The Eagles would score twice, before a three from Trey Smith (Ypsilanti, MI/Milan HS ) put the Mustangs on the board.
  • Getting it done on both the offensive and defensive end was sophomore Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate).
  • Avalos would draw the foul and sink the extra point to cut into the NNMC lead.
  • Back-to-back threes from Trey Smith (Ypsilanti, MI/Milan HS ) put WNMU on top 14-13 for their first lead of the game.
  • Avalos added a three of his own to retake the lead at 17-15.
  • Leading by as many as 12, the Mustangs went into the break with an 41-33 edge.
  • Similar to the first half, the Eagles would strike first, eating into the WNMU lead.
  • The Mustangs held on to the lead up until late, when Estevan Martinez of the Eagles got the and-one to go up by one.
  • Free throws were the deciding factor as NNMC sunk 20 of their 25 free throws to take a 76-73 win.
 
UP NEXT:
The team will have a quick turnaround as they head two hours east to Division I New Mexico State for their second exhibition match of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.
 
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