Silver City, NM - Monday night, Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team made the trip to DI University of New Mexico, playing their final exhibition game of the year, falling at the electric Pit, 88-63.

"This is the first time I've ever played in the Pit. It was really cool to play in," said Head coach Zane Gibson. "The University of New Mexico has such a rich basketball history and has great support and it showed tonight."

Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) and Jordan Doss (Chicago, Ill./Chicago Hope Academy) continue to put up huge numbers for the Mustangs. Avalos ended the night with 17pts and Doss with a team-high 18pts.

"Tony is playing at a really high level right now," said Gibson. "If he keeps trusting the process he's got a chance now to be a really special player on the Lone Star Conference."

WNMU struggled to get the ball in the basket, shooting 37.5% on the floor. The three ball was falling for the Mustangs, shooting 41.2%. Andrew Leonard (Tucson, AZ/Cienega HS) played a huge part in shooting the ball beyond the arc. Leonard was 4-9 for 3FG, ending his night with 12pts.

Both teams turned the ball over 15 times and would steal the ball 9 times. UNM's bench played very well scoring 41 points.

The Lobos out-rebounded the Mustangs by 9 rebounds. UNM had 39 and WNMU had 30. The Mustangs  did have 9 offensive rebounds compared to the Lobos'  five. WNMU couldn't capitalize on the offensive boards, only having 8 second chance points.

UNM had five players score in the double-digits. KJ Jenkins had a great night going 7-10 on FGs and 4-7 on 3FGs, finishing the night with 20pts. Jamal Mashburn Jr. finished with 19pts, going 7-11 on the field. Javont Johnson and Gethro Muscadin both had 10pts, and off the bench Jay Allen-Tovar had 14pts.

"There were definitely some areas where we looked good and then there were moments that we have to get tougher in" concluded Gibson.  

PLAYERS TO HIGHLIGHT:

J. Doss: 18pts, 3 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl

T. Avalos: 17pts, 2 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl, 6-8 FG

A. Leonard: 12pts, 2 reb, 4-9 3FG

The Mustangs come home playing the University of the Southwest, at the electric Drags Court, in Silver City.

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 & In