Box Score ODESSA, TEXAS – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team began a two-game road trip with a matchup against UTPB. The Mustangs would defeat the Falcons 87-76.
This puts the Mustangs at 11-8 (5-8).
Five Mustangs would manage double-figures on the Falcons. Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/) would lead the way with 15 points. Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX) added 14 points on 6-6 from the field. Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) chipped in 12 points including two from beyond the arc. Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) would score 11 points with two 3-pointers as well and Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) added 10 points.
"The guys really showed up tonight," said Head Coach Zane Gibson. "All credit goes to our guys."
Three-point shooting and the Mustangs' bench would prove to be the recipe for success tonight. The Mustangs started off hot from beyond the arc going 8-12 (67%) in the first half, finishing the game 10-17 (59%). DJ Heath (Anniston, AL) would drill three 3s, Lewis, McFadden and Johnson would have two 3s as well.
The Mustangs' bench would outscore the Falcons' bench 48-25.
On the boards, Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) and McFadden led the way with nine rebounds each. Johnson led the way with four assists. Heath would record three assists as well.
Heath would be able to acquire three steals on the night. Littles would snag two steals as well. Pedersen and Lewis would both record two blocks on the night. This gives Pedersen 37 blocks on the year, ranking him 16th in the nation.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 53% from the field and 67% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game shooting 56% from the field and 59% from three. UTPB would shoot 46% for the game and 28% from behind the three-point line.
"We really showed up and played out tails off," said Gibson.
The first half began with the two teams trading the lead back-and-forth, with the Mustangs gaining the biggest advantage of seven points. This would lead the Mustangs to take a 46-40 lead into halftime. In the second half, UTPB would make numerous attempts to take the lead from the Mustangs, but would be unsuccessful, as the Mustangs would prevail 87-76.
Four Falcons would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Max Warren would score a game-high 16 points on 6-10 shooting splits. DaJuan Jones would add 13 points, five steals and seven boards. Azariah Seay would also have 13 points. Jalen King would chip in 11 points.
"Angelo is #21 in the country. They are tied for 1st in the league," said Gibson. "This Saturday will be a huge challenge for us."
Top Mustangs:
Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/): 15 pts, 2 stls
Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX): 14 pts, 6-6 FGs, 2 blks, 2 3s
Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL): 12 pts, 9 rebs, 2 3s,
Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School): 11 pts, 4 asts, 2 3s
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS): 10 pts
DJ Heath (Anniston, AL): 9 pts, 3 3s
Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy): 9 rebs, 2 blks
The Mustangs will hit the road next time they are in action looking to avenge a loss against Angelo State earlier in the season on January 28th (2:30PM MT).
The Mustangs will hit the road next time they are in action against UT Permian-Basin on January 26th (6:00PM 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).
