SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team continued their homestand with a matchup against Texas A&M International. The Dustdevils would defeat the Mustangs 72-64.
This puts the Mustangs at 10-8 (4-8).
Three Mustangs would manage double-figures on the Dustdevils. Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) led the Mustangs with 16 points. Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) would managed 13 points on 5-8 from the field. DJ Heath (Anniston, AL) would add 10 points.
A slow start to the game, including four turnovers in the first five possessions is what would do the Mustangs in. The Mustangs would give up the ball 16 times and only be able to force 14 turnovers on the Dustdevils.
The Mustang bench would outscore the Dustdevil bench 46-35.
On the boards, Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) led the way with seven rebounds. Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) would add five boards. Four different Mustangs would record two assists.
Pedersen and Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX) would each record a block. Heath and Johnson would also swipe the ball away for two steals each.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 33% from the field and 22% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game shooting 45% from the field and 39% from three. Texas A&M Internaltional would shoot 47% for the game and 35% from behind the three-point line.
The Dustdevils would jump out to a quick 12-3 lead on the Mustangs and be able to ride a double-digit lead into the half 36-22. In the second the Dustdevils would jump out to a 21-point lead on the Mustangs within minutes. After a quick timeout Head Coach Zane Gibson would deploy a platoon swap with the lineup. The Mustangs would cut the deficit to four with 5:02 remaining before the Dustdevils regroup and put away the Mustangs 72-64.
Three Dustdevils would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Davis Tyrese would score 16 points on 5-5 from the field in only 12 minutes. Matthew Okoye would add 15 points on 12-14 from the charity stripe. Lonzo Rand would chip in 12 points.
Top Mustangs:
Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School): 16 pts, 2 stls, (6-7 FTs)
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS): 13 points, (5-8 FGs)
DJ Heath (Anniston, AL): 10 pts, 2 stls
The Mustangs will hit the road next time they are in action against UT Permian-Basin on January 26th (6:00PM MT).
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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).
