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Western New Mexico University Athletics

Western New Mexico University Athletics
Malik Sanders
Jay Hemphill, WNMU
100
Winner West Tex. A&M WTAMU 15-1,7-1 Lone Star
79
Western N.M. WNMU 3-12,2-6 Lone Star
Winner
West Tex. A&M WTAMU
15-1,7-1 Lone Star
100
Final
79
Western N.M. WNMU
3-12,2-6 Lone Star
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
West Tex. A&M WTAMU 45 55 100
Western N.M. WNMU 36 43 79

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Sanders and Holifield Combine for 41 Against #5 Buffs

Silver City, N.M. – The Mustangs entered Drag's Court Saturday afternoon hungry for the chance to take on the #5 West Texas A&M Buffs. While injury and sickness affected the Mustangs usual lineup, players stepped into their respective roles and battled with the Buffs till the final buzzer. Looking at the percentages the teams were close, but WT combined for 14 three pointers in what would be the difference for the 100-79 win in their favor.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Malik Sanders (Durham, NC/Smithfield-Selma ) – 21 PTS | 10-17 FG | 2 REB | 8 AST
Elijah Holifield (Atlanta, GA/Pace Academy) – 20 PTS | 8-16 FG | 4-5 3PTR | 9 REB | 1 AST | 2 BLK
CJ Vanbeekum (Phoenix, AZ/Paradise) – 12 PTS | 4-9 FG | 4-4 FT | 8 REB

HOW IT HAPPENED:
  • On the fast break, WT was unable to convert under the basket giving way to a three from Elijah Holifield (Atlanta, GA/Pace Academy) for the first basket of the game.
  • First to reach ten, Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe) found the basket behind the arc as the Mustangs lead 10-5 just three minutes into play.
  • To remain a perfect 2-2 from deep, Holifield put in his second three of the afternoon as the Mustangs enjoyed a nine point lead.
  • Taking notice that the Mustangs were here to play, WT would begin to show their ranking.
  • At the eight minute mark, WT would take their first lead of the game, giving way to a series of baskets.
  • A 9-0 run put WNMU back within one, but as the top offense in the LSC the Buffs pulled away just before the break but only by nine.
  • Two quick baskets out of the half, forced WNMU to call an early timeout to discuss.
  • The teams traded blows, with WT never letting up going up by 18 at the 13 minute mark.
  • It seemed as if the energy wore off for the Mustangs in the second, but WT could not miss and put the pressure on defense.
  • Separated by only a few percentage points in all categories, WT scored 42 points on three-pointers alone.
  • Malik Sanders (Durham, NC/Smithfield-Selma ) tied his season high of 21-points, while bringing his assists total to 42.
UP NEXT:
With a unique road trip coming up, Western will head to LSC newcomer Dallas Baptist Thursday, followed by their final meeting with the Texans of Tarleton before they move up to the Division I level.
 
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