Silver City, NM - The Western New Mexico University Mustangs geared up to play at Drag's Court for the final time this 2021-22 season against the Texas A&M International University Dustdevils, Thursday evening. With an impressive and heart-warming win, the Mustangs take one final victory at home 61-51. 

Right off the start, senior Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) came out hot from behind the arc having 9 points at halftime. She was determined to play her heart out in her final home game of her collegiate basketball career. Chavez would end the night with 15 points, which all came from three-pointers. Chavez 62.5% in her final home game from the three-point line. Senior Cassandra Vickery (Tularosa, NM/Tularosa HS) had a great night making plays for the Mustang offense including a momentum changing and-one that continued to set the tone for the rest of the team. Vickery would end with 11 points, 1 rebound, and 2 steals. Veteran senior who also took part of making her legacy on the court in her final home match, was Destiney Johnson (El Paso, TX/Parkland HS) who put up some great numbers Thursday evening. Johnson, a Mustang playmaker, ended the night with 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 monster block. 

Sophomore Charlize Bustillos (El Paso, TX/Riverside HS) did not let her seniors down as she earned 8 points tonight with 2 steals, and 1 rebound. Bustillos made sure to make way for opportunities to make offensse plays for the seniors. Junior Zyan Smith (Queen Creek, AZ/Mesquite High School ) also played well Thursday evening scoring 8 points, earning 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal. Smith had great numbers tonight, shooting 100% from behind the arc. 

The Mustangs dominated from beyond the arc shooting 52.9% compared to th Dustdevils' 25%. Rebounds helped lead the team to the victory tonight earning 37 on the night whereas TAMIU only had 20. 

Texas A&M International University Dustdevils were lead b Raina Brown (14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal) and Clara Fernandez (13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals). 

Mustangs will hit the road for the final time this season Thursday, February 24th against Lubbock Chrisitian (5:30pm MT) and Saturday, February 26th against Eastern New Mexico to conclude their 2021-2022 season. 

Mustangs to Highlight:
Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) (15 points, 2 rebounds)
Cassandra Vickery (Tularosa, NM/Tularosa HS) (11 points, 1 rebound, 2 steal)
Destiney Johnson (El Paso, TX/Parkland HS) (9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block)
Zyan Smith (Queen Creek, AZ/Mesquite High School ) (8 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal)
Charlize Bustillos (El Paso, TX/Riverside HS) (8 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 2 steals)
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).