El Paso, TX - The historic Don Haskins Center was electric with the Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team taking on DI University Texas - El Paso (UTEP). The Mustangs shot the three ball well, but it wasn't enough, as the Miners won 85-57.

"There were many points in the game we made strides and others we still need to continue to work on," said Head Coach Zane Gibson.

Two Mustangs scored double-digits against the Miners. Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) bucketed 14pts and Dylan Arnette (DeSoto, TX/Dallas Carter HS) made the most of his opportunities, finishing with 10pts. 

WNMU shot the three ball better against UTEP, going 8-22. Three Mustangs ended the night with two 3pt field goals, including Avalos, Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe HS), and Marvis Odia (Houston, TX/George Ranch HS).

Both teams got to the free throw line, however UTEP capitalized on the Mustangs fouls. WNMU was 11-21 on Free Throws and Miners were 11-19.The Miners did an excellent job getting the ball out of WNMU's hands forcing 26 turnovers and would score 28pts on those turnovers. WNMU forced 18 and only scored 13pts of those turnovers.

In the first half, WNMU shot 37%, and in the second half, they were at 30%. They would end the game shooting 33.9% and 36.4% behind the three point arc. UTEP shot the ball well, shooting 50% and 42% beyond the arc on the night

Robert Banks (Dallas,TX /Duncanville HS) led the team in rebounds with 6. Odia was right behind boarding 5. Joshuawan Johnson and Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe HS) both had 8 assists.

WNMU went into the locker room at half, cutting the lead 36-26. UTEP began to shoot the three ball very well, ending the game with 12 three pointers made. Beginning the scond half, the Miners gained momentum quickly, forcing turnovers, and shooting the three exceptionally well and making big plays to help extend their lead.

Two Miners ended the game with double-digits in points on the night. Jamaal Bieniemy, who led also had 4 ast and 4 stl.  Keonte Kennedy ended the night with 11pts and 6 rebounds. 

PLAYERS TO HIGHLIGHT:
T. Avalos: 14pts, 3 reb, 2 3FG
D. Arnette: 10pts, 3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
A. Cash: 8pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 2-2 3FGS, 

"Give UTEP a ton of credit. They are a physical and aggressive basketball, that forces a lot of turnovers," concluded Gibson. "Anytime you don't get to shoot the ball during a possession, it hurts."

The Mustangs will open up the regular season this weekend in Odessa, TX, playing in the crossover conference challenge. The Mustangs will play RMAC schools, Westminster on Friday and Adams State Saturday afternoon.

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).