Box Score Odessa, TX – The Mustangs Men's Basketball tipped-off their season against the UTPB Falcons, falling 96-78. The Falcon Dome was empty has UTPB has made the decision to not allow fans for the 2020-21 season due to COVID-19.

Head Coach Zane Gibson makes the return to UTPB after spending two years there and 4 years under the Falcons Head Coach Josh Newman. This was Coach Gibson's first game of many as a Head Coach.

Coach Gibson explains his feelings and thoughts going into the game, "I was excited going into the game, but mostly excited for our kids to finally get an opportunity to play after the work they put in this. Being able to come back to UTPB and play some of my great friends on the UTPB staff was memorable. It was great to see them."

Despite the practice limitations, the Mustangs played with intensity. "I thought we were fine offensively. We had too many turnovers and the ball stuck from time-to-time, but it was defensively where I believe we could have played at a higher level and did not" explains Coach Gibson.

Sophomore Forward, Marvis Odia (Houston, TX/George Ranch HS) came off the bench scoring 16pts, 2 reb, and 2 ast. 12 of his 16 points came in the first half. Odia had the Mustang bench ecstatic after making back-to-back baskets with a shooting foul.

"Marvis played really well offensively. He can really shoot the ball. He is extremely talented and we need him to play like that throughout the year" said Coach Gibson on Odia's performance.

Turnovers hurt the Mustangs as WNMU had 18 turnovers to UTPB's 10. The Falcons and Jordan Horn capitalized as put 32pts. UTPB shot 50% beyond the arc and had some help from Wesley Hayes had 13pts and Adam Rivera knocked down 11pts as well.

Notable Mustang Players: Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) 11pts and 2 reb. Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe HS) 10pts and 3 reb. Olamide Pederson 6pts, 10 rebounds, 1 ast and 2 blk.

Coach Gibson and the Mustangs like to bounce back and utilize the coming weeks in preparation for Angelo State. "Angelo State was picked second in the conference. They will be a very tough opponent. Cinco Boone is a really good coach, so his team will be ready to go. We just have to get back to work and focus on correcting ourselves first" acknowledges Coach Gibson.

The Mustangs will continue playing on the road, as they are playing an independent schedule. Angelo State University will be the next game, January 6, 2021. The time is TBA.