Phoenix, Ariz. - Tipping off the 2021-22 basketball season, the Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team took on DI Grand Canyon University at the rambunctious GCU Arena. The Mustangs held their own for much of the game but fell 85-59.

"We did some good things tonight. I am really excited about this team," said Head Coach Zane Gibson.

Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark /Sunrise Christian Academy) had a great game on both sides of the ball. Pedersen led the team in points with 12 and rebounds, boarding 13. Of the 13 rebounds, 7 were offensive.

"Ola played great, attacking the glass and did some really good things for us," said Gibson.

Robert Banks (Dallas,TX /Duncanville HS) was one of three Mustangs to make a three point shot. Banks ended up 3-5 on 3FGs. Jordan Doss (Chicago, Ill./Chicago Hope Academy) had 8pts, going 3-10 on the night. Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) was 2-6 and 3-4 on free throws. Johnson ended with 7pts.

Points off turnovers and second chance points hurt the Mustangs. The Mustangs had 19 turnovers and GCU capitalized on those, scoring 24 points. The lopes also had 16 offensive rebounds resulting in more second chance points opportunities.

GCU shot the three ball well, netting 9-24. WNMU struggled beyond the arc shooting 21%, making 5-21.

Grand Canyon rebounded the ball well, taking opportunities away from the Mustangs. The Lopes boarded 55 compared to WNMU's 39 rebounds.

WNMU had spurts of momentum going their way throughout the game and cut the lead down to 10 points multiple times in the first half. GCU led 43-28 at half and didn't look back. The Lopes forced turnovers and got to the free throw line. GCU ended the night shooting 64% as a team at the line.

Three Lopes had double-digits in points on the night. Jovan Blacksher Jr. led all scores with 13 points, also having four rebounds, and five assists.  Yvan Ouedrogo had 11 points, 9 boards, and an assist. Holland Woods bucketed 10 points, had two rebounds and dished out the ball for four assists.

PLAYERS TO HIGHLIGHT:
O. Pedersen: 12pts, 13 reb, 3 blk
R. Banks: 9pts, 3 reb, 1 blk
J. Doss: 8pts, 1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
J. Johnson: 7pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

"GCU has an unbelievable atmosphere...one of the best in college basketball," concluded Gibson. "I can't thank Coach Drew and the GCU  staff enough for having us over to play a college basketball game in that environment. That is an experience our guys and the coaching staff will remember for a long time."

The Mustangs will travel to El Paso, TX, playing in the historic Don Haskins Center against DI UTEP November 9th. Game time is TBA.

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!  

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 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).