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Western New Mexico University Athletics

Western New Mexico University Athletics
Elijah Holifield
75
Tex. Permian Basin UTPB 15-15,7-12 Lone Star
81
Winner Western N.M. WNMU 7-19,5-12 Lone Star
Tex. Permian Basin UTPB
15-15,7-12 Lone Star
75
Final
81
Western N.M. WNMU
7-19,5-12 Lone Star
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Tex. Permian Basin UTPB 31 44 75
Western N.M. WNMU 42 39 81

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Simon, Holifield Record Double-Doubles in Win Over UTPB

SILVER CITY, N.M. – It only took the allotted 40 minutes this time around for the Mustang Men's Basketball team to claim a 81-75 victory over the visiting UT Permian Basin Falcons, Thursday night on Drag's Court. Despite committing half as many turnovers, WNMU won the battle of the boards, pulling down 48 to the Falcons 38.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate) – 16 PTS | 7-10 FG | 2-3 3FG | 5 REB | 7 AST
Elijah Holifield (Atlanta, GA/Pace Academy) – 17 PTS | 4-10 3FG | 5-6 FT | 14 REB | 2 BLK
Rodney Simon (Boston, MA/Randolph ) – 12 PTS | 5-6 FG | 10 REB | 2 BLK
CJ Vanbeekum (Phoenix, AZ/Paradise) – 10 PTS | 4-9 FG | 5 REB | 4 AST
Eddie Giron (Monterrey, Mexico/Harmony Science Academy) – 11 PTS | 3-5 FG | 4-5 FT | 5 REB | 1 BLK

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Looking to avenge their loss from earlier in the season, Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate) started things off behind the arc after a few missed attempts by both teams. Fermandez Jones connected from deep to tie things up at 10, just five minutes in to play. Throughout the first half, UTPB came close but WNMU would never relinquish the lead, going up by as many as 11 off a three from Elijah Holifield (Atlanta, GA/Pace Academy).
Keeping the distance in double digits, CJ Vanbeekum (Phoenix, AZ/Paradise) closed out the half at the line. Holding the Falcons to just a 22.9 shooting percentage from the field, WNMU shot 48.4 percent in the first half, going 15-for 31 from the floor and 6-for-15 behind the arc.
After starting off the second half with a pull-up three pointer to go up by 14, UTPB strung together 8 points in the paint to pull within 6. UTPB found ways to pull within single digits, but the Mustang offense would not let up, immediately answering to keep the separation.
Though not known for their defense, UTPB turned up the pressure forcing a series of turnovers on the Mustang's part, and converting on the other end to close the gap. Pat Dembley, who lead the scoring efforts last time around brought his team within one off a driving layup. With just under a minute to play, Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate) drove to the basket to give his team a 6-point edge. Last second shot attempts could not fall for UTPB, as the Mustangs ran away with the 81-75 win.
Rodney Simon (Boston, MA/Randolph ) and Elijah Holifield (Atlanta, GA/Pace Academy) each recorded double doubles in the win. Holifield lead with 17 points and 14 rebounds, for his first double-double of the season, and fourth straight game scoring in double figures.

UP NEXT:
The Mustang Men's Basketball team will remain in the friendly confines of Drag's Court next week, hosting Angelo State and Lubbock Christian in the final two conference contests.
 
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