Odessa, TX - Western New Mexico University's Men's Basketball tipped off their regular season with a win playing in the LSC-RMAC Conference Challenge against Westminster College Friday night. Head Coach Zane Gibson got his first career win as a head coach.

Mustang veteran Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) was cookin' all night, putting up 21pts. First year Mustang Jordan Doss (Chicago, Ill./Chicago Hope Academy) had a great night scoring 14pts as well. 

The Mustangs limited their turnovers only having 17 and capitalized on Westminster's mistakes, stealing the ball 9 times and scoring 24 points off turnovers. WNMU also had four blocks on the night.

At the free throw line, WNMU shot 70.6%, a huge improvement from a year ago. The Griffins also had a good night shooting the ball at the line, ending with 75%.

Ola Pedersen had 6 rebounds, a block, and a steal on the night. Pedersen's defensive presence was felt, helping limit Westminster's shooting to 46% on the field.

WNMU went into the locker room at half, 32-26, thanks to a Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) buzzer-beater three.
Westminster had three guys score in the double-digits. Lewis Johnson had a team-high 14pts. Donaval Avila finished with 11pts and Jarrett Jordan ended the night with 10pts. Brayden Johnson led the floor with 8 rebounds.

PLAYERS TO HIGHLIGHT:

T. Avalos: 21pts, 1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

J. Doss: 14pts, 3 reb, 1 stl, 8-10 FT

O. Pedersen: 6pts, 6 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl

The Mustangs will finish the LSC-RMAC Conference Challenge tomorrow afternoon at 1:00pm MT, playing against Adams St.

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

*** 

 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)