Silver City, NM - The Western New Mexico University Mustangs geared up to battle against the University of Texas - Permian Basin Falcons, Saturday afternoon at Drag's Court. The exciting game won over the hearts of Silver City residents with a victory over UTPB.
Right off the start, the Mustangs were determined to all be play makers and play for each other. The offense was aggressive and quick, having great ball movement. Senior
Cassandra Vickery (Tularosa, NM/Tularosa HS) lead the team in rebounds giving the team more chances to run offensive plays. Sophomore
Olivia Lee (Peoria, AZ/Cactus HS) hustled to not let the Falcon's offense use their post to make big plays and made many great defensive stops. As the Mustangs continued to grow their lead, sophomore
Myla Lee (Glendale, AZ/Cactus HS) did not shy away from doing her job on the court, and finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds. By the end of the first half, the Mustangs were leading 35-31.
Senior
Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) had a great game tonight leading the team in points with 14 points, four of the attempts which were from downtown. Falcons would have their momentum bursts when they could not be stopped and caught up to the Mustangs. However, the determination by the Mustangs to win could not be overpowered. Sophomore
Charlize Bustillos (El Paso, TX/Riverside HS) had an extremely impressive night of setting up every team member. Her ability to have awareness of the court, ball, and her teammates allowed her to lead the team in assists with 6. Junior
Zyan Smith (Queen Creek, AZ/Mesquite High School ) was also very dominate in giving her teammates the ball when they were open, and making opportunities for the Mustangs to be offensively sound.
The outstanding performance by the Mustangs offensively and defensively was only possible through the great team chemistry, same goal, and unselfish actions. Every player on the team scored tonight and had at least one rebound. The Mustangs created a season high of assists this afternoon with a total of 21 earned.
Mustangs to Highlight:
Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) - (14 points, 1 reb, 2 assists)
Myla Lee (Glendale, AZ/Cactus HS) - (12 points, 8 reb, 2 assists)
Olivia Lee (Peoria, AZ/Cactus HS) - (10 points, 9 reb, 1 assist)
