SILVER CITY, N.M. - Drag's Court was electric as Western New Mexico University's Men's Basketball team defeated Texas A&M - Commerce 74-68 for the first time at Drag's Court. The Mustangs are now 9-4 on the year and 2-1 in LSC play.

Malik Johnson (Wytheville, Virginia/George Wythe High School) led all Mustang scorers with 18pts. Johnson cashed in at the free throw line going 11-13. Jordan Doss (Chicago, Ill./Chicago Hope Academy) ended the night with 17pts but was a force on the glass, rebounding 9.

"I am really really proud of this team. A lot of guys stepped up tonight like Ian and Ola," said Head Coach Zane Gibson. "We had a great week of practice and I think that led to us playing well and ultimately getting the win."

Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) earned his first start of the year and it paid dividends. Hohenstein boarded 8 rebounds and ended the night with 8pts. 

From tip-off the two teams battled it out. In the first half, TAMUC shot 28.6% on the field and was 26.7% from beyond the arc. WNMU wasn't much better, shooting 30.6 and 33.3% from three. The Mustangs would go into the half leading 30-28.

Starting out the second half, the Mustangs got into a groove and extended their lead. They would shoot 43.5% on the field, 50% from three, and would get to the free throw line 21 times, converting on 20.

The Lions had a better second half shooting the ball as well. They shot 42.9%, 35.3% from three, but only got to the free throw line for 12 shots, making 10.

Up by 12 with about 5:00 minutes left in the game, TAMUC cut the Mustangs lead and made it a nail-biter to the end. Turnovers and fouls hurt the Lions and helped put the game away.  WNMU would cash in on 26pts off of TAMUC's 18 turnovers and was 24-27 at the free throw line.

"Texas A&M - Commerce is a really good team. In my opinion, they are an NCAA tournament team," said Gibson.. 

WNMU finished the game shooting 35.6%, 40% from three, and 88.9% at the free throw line. The Mustangs out-rebounded the Lions 36 to 33.

The Lions had two players score in double-figures. 

Carson Tuttle: 19pts, (5-11 3FG), 5 reb, 1 stl

Alphonso Willis: 12pts, 5 reb, 1 blk

PLAYERS TO HIGHLIGHT:

M. Johnson: 18pts, (11-13 FT), 5 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl

J. Doss: 17pts (4-8 3FG), 9 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl

A. Cash: 13pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

I. Hohenstein: 8pts, 8 reb, 1 blk

"I would also say the fans were great tonight. They are starting to bring electricity into the arena and we need more of it!" said Gibson. 

"Saturday will be another monster test for us," said Gibson. "UT Tyler is really good and really well coached. We will need another great effort Saturday Afternoon.

The (9-4) Mustangs will play UT Tyler for a 4:00pm tip-off on Saturday. 

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).