SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team resumed LSC play with a matchup against No. 19 UT Tyler on Drag's Court. The Mustangs would upset the No. 19 Patriots 60-55, capped off by a Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/) dunk.

"Whenever you beat a team of UT Tyler's caliber it just lets your team know that if you play the right way, as a team and with passion you can play with anybody in the country," said Head Coach Zane Gibson.

Two Mustangs managed to score in double-digits tonight. Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) led the Mustangs in scoring with 14 points, including two 3s. Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/) notched a near double-double with 11 points and a season-high seven assists.

Free throws and points in the paint would be the Mustangs secret recipe for success. The Mustang would shoot 21-30 (70%) from the charity strip, while the Patriots could only muster 13-23 (56%). WNMU's paint dominance would show, outscoring UT Tyler 30-20 in the paint.

"Extremely proud of the guys for bouncing the way we did and I am excited to see what we can do after winter break," said Gibson.

On the glass the Patriots would outrebound the Mustangs 37-29. The Patriots would also committed just 23 turnovers compared to the Mustangs 25.

Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) and Littles led the Mustangs on the glass with five rebounds each. Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) and Johnson snatched four rebounds each as well. Littles was dishing and diming all night, as he recorded seven assists.

Pedersen protected the rim valiantly, stuffing three Patriots shots to the floor. Six different Mustangs would record a steal.

In the first half the Mustangs would shoot 40% from the field and 0% from behind the arc. The Mustangs would finish the game shooting 43% from the field and 25% from three. The No. 19 Patriots would shoot 32% for the game and 16% from behind the three-point line.

WNMU would come out scorching hot to take a 13-3 lead on the No. 19 team in the country. The Patriots would eventually chip away at the lead and take a 24-22 lead into halftime.

"We had tremendous energy and passion to start the game," said Gibson. " Some where in the first half we sort  of lost that and started turning the ball over."

The Mustangs would refocus in the second half and tie things up at 30. After typing up the game, the Mustangs wouldn't look back and never surrendered the lead, winning 60-55 over the No. 19 team in the country.

"At halftime we refocused and came back out playing more under control," said Gibson.

Two Patriots managed double figures on the Mustangs. Milan Szabo scored 15 points for the Patriots. Rashun Williams added 12 points. Mohamed Diallo snatched nine boards as well for the Patriots.

Top Mustangs:

Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School): 14 pts, 2 3FGs, (8-10 FTs)

Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/): 11 pts, 7 asts, 5 rebs, (9-10 FTs), 1 Highlight Dunk, 1 Lob Thrown

Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX/): 9 pts

Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy): 3 blks, 1 Lob Caught

The Mustangs will be back in action at Drag's Court on December 30^th against Angelo State (7:30 PM MT).

This announcement 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, TikTok & Instagram).