SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team kicked off their road trip with a game against Midwestern State. After a strong shooting first half MSU would defeat WNMU 70-60.
This puts the Mustangs at 8-5 (2-5).
Two WNMU Mustangs managed to score in double-digits tonight. Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL/) would score a season-high 15 points on 5-8 from the field. DJ Heath (Anniston, AL/) would score all 13 of his points in the second half, including four 3s.
The first half is what would do WNMU in. MSU came out firing on all cylinders, shooting 50% and 38% from beyond the arc. Midwestern would make five 3s compared to WNMU's zero, as well as lead the entire game over WNMU.
WNMU's bench would be the reason they closed the gap to as close as eight down the stretch. Western's bench would outscore MSU's bench 36-21.
On the boards, McFadden led the WNMU for the second straight game with seven rebounds. Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) added five rebounds as well. Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/) dished out seven assists on the night.
McFadden was also able snag three steals in the contest. Pedersen and Dane Quest (Ontario, Canada/) would protect the paint with two blocks. Those two blocks for Pedersen gives him 29 on the year, good enough for 12th in the Nation. Pedersen also averages 2.23 blocks per game which ranks him 11th in the nation.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 28% from the field and 0% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game shooting 39% from the field and 35% from three. MSU would shoot 43% for the game and 38% from behind the three-point line.
Midwestern would be hot from the start jumping out to a quick 10-2 advantage on WNMU. MSU would take a 37-17 lead into the half. WNMU would lead a comeback surge in the second half outscoring Midwestern 43-33 and cutting the lead down to as many as eight before MSU would put them away 70-60.
Three MSU Mustangs would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Derrick Ogechi scored a game-high 16 points, including four 3s. Jermane Carter would record a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. John Weger chipped in 12 points and Pierre Sanders added five assists.
Top Mustangs:
Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL/): 15 pts, 7 rebs, 3 stls
DJ Heath (Anniston, AL/): 13 pts, 4 (3FGs)
Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy): 8 pts, 5 rebs, 2 blks
Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/): 7 pts, 7 asts
The Mustangs will hit the road next time they are in action against Cameron on January 7th (2:00PM 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).
