LUBBOCK, TEXAS – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team finished up their four-game road trip with a game against Lubbock Christian. The Mustangs would defeat the Chaps 76-67 for their first victory against LCU since 1976 and their first win ever in the Rip Center.
This puts the Mustangs at 10-6 (4-6).
"It's always great to make history," said Head Coach Zane Gibson. "But today we were only focused on one game today and doing whatever it took to win the game."
Five Mustangs would manage double-figures on the Chaps. Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) lead all Mustangs with 17 points. Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) added a season-high 16 points on an efficient 7-11 from the field. Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) chipped in 14 points including three 3s and DJ Heath (Anniston, AL) and Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) scored 10 points each as well.
The Mustangs bench and presence in the paint would be the difference makers. WNMU's bench would dominate the Chaps' bench 36-9, with McFadden and Johnson scoring 31 of those 36 points. The Mustangs would outscore the Chaps in the paint 36-24.
On the boards, the Mustangs would outrebound the Chaps 41-28 including 12 offensive rebounds leading to 16 second chance points.
"When you become a group of fighters good things happen," said Gibson.
In the rebounding department, Pedersen would snag 13 rebounds, tying his season high. Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) would secure seven boards. Johnson led the team with three assists.
On the defensive end, Johnson would secure two steals on the day. Pedersen would protect the rim with two blocks. This give Pedersen 32 blocks, tying him for 16th in the nation. McFadden would also record a block.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 42% from the field and 50% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game even better, shooting 49% from the field and 50% from three. LCU would shoot 44% for the game and 37% from behind the three-point line.
The Mustangs would start off the game jumping out to a 6-0 lead on the Chaps. LCU would use the rest of the first half to chip away at lead, taking a 39-37 advantage at the half. After a quick 4-0 spurt to start the half, the Mustangs would settle in and tie things up at 42. The two would trade the lead back and forth until the Mustangs took it for good at the 5:09 mark, 62-60. This would let the Mustangs secure their first victory in the Rip Center and first over LCU since 1976, 76-67.
"We fought for 40 minutes today," said Gibson. "Proud of my team and I hope to see this version a lot more in the near future."
Four Chaps would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Rowan McKenzie would lead all scorers with 20 points, including three 3s and nine boards. Russell Harrison added 16 points with three 3s and seven boards. Najeeb Muhammed and Kurt Wegscheider would chip in 11 points each as well.
Top Mustangs:
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS): 17 points, 4 rebs
Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL): 16 pts, 4 rebs, 1 stl, (7-11 FGs)
Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School): 14 pts, 3 asts, 2 stls, (3-5 3FGs)
Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy): 10 pts, 13 rebs, 2 blks,
DJ Heath (Anniston, AL): 10 pts, (4-6 FGs)
The Mustangs will be host Texas A&M Kingsville at Drag's Court on January 19th (7:30PM MT).
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, TikTok & Instagram).
