SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team returned home for a matchup against Texas A&M Kingsville. The Javelinas would defeat the Mustangs 81-69.

This puts the Mustangs at 10-7 (4-7).

Three Mustangs would manage double-figures on the Javelinas. Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) would lead the Mustangs with 18 points on 6-10 from the field. DJ Heath (Anniston, AL) added 15 points including two from distance. Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) chipped in 13 points, including 3-4 from three-point range.  

12 early first half turnovers would put the Mustangs in a deep hole to start. The Mustangs would finish with 16 TOs compared to 11 by the Javelinas.

The Javelinas would manage to shoot a scoring 14-29 (48%) from beyond the arc, compared to the Mustangs 8-20 (40%).

WNMU would be about to outscore the Javelinas in the paint 24-16.

On the boards, Pedersen would snag seven rebounds. Heath would record a season-high eight assists.

On the defensive end, Heath would secure two steals on the day. Four different Mustangs would record a block.

In the first half the WNMU would shoot 50% from the field and 33% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game slightly worse, shooting 43% from the field and 40% from three. TAMKU would shoot 44% for the game and 48% from behind the three-point line.

The Mustangs would start off the game jumping out to a 7-2 lead on the Javelinas. Then the turnovers would begin for the Mustangs and the Javelinas would take a 44-31 lead into the half.

In the second half the Javelinas would lead by as many as 23 early. The Mustangs would eventually claw and chip away at the lead to nine with 5:34 left on the clock. The Javelinas would drill some big threes at the end, to put away the Mustangs 81-69.

Four Javelinas would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Jake Majors would score a game-high 21 points including 5-7 from beyond the arc. CJ Smith would add 14 points on 4-5 from deep. Will Chayer chipped 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Kendrick Washington scored 12 points.

Top Mustangs:

Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy): 18 pts, 7 rebs, 1 blk, (6-10 FGs)

DJ Heath (Anniston, AL): 15 pts, 8 asts, 2 stls

Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School): 13 pts, (3-4 3FGs)

The Mustangs will be host Texas A&M Internation at Drag's Court on January 21^st (3:30PM 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).