LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team took a quick trip to Las Cruces for an exhibition matchup with Division I New Mexico State. The Aggies took down the Mustangs 78-43.

Two Mustangs would manage double figures on the Aggies. Aaron Miller (Queens Village, NY/Benjamin Cardozo High School) and Allen Fordham (Far Rockaway, NY/Queens High School For Technology) each had 10 points. Miller went 4-5 from the field and 2-3 from deep. Fordham managed two threes on the night.

A poor shooting performance from the Mustangs would be their downfall. In the first half the Mustangs went 8-29 (27%), only to finish 14-57 (24%). From beyond the arc, WNMU went 7-27 (25%). At the charity stripe the Mustangs could only manage to go 8-15 (53%).
 
The Aggies had a much better shooting night, going 44% from the field, 50% from three and 87% from the free throw line.

On the boards Miller lead the way with five rebounds. LaMarqus Merchant Jr. (Utica, NY/Utica Academy of Science) dished out six assists on the night.

In the defensive department, Merchant Jr. once again lead the Mustangs with two steals.

The Mustangs and Aggies were locked in to a tight battle early on in the first half. At the the 10 minute Evan Butts (Houston, TX/Cy Fair High School) drilled a three to give the Mustangs their first lead 17-16. Prosper Obidiebube (Houston, TX/Aspire Academy) extended the lead to three, 19-16. This would be the biggest and last lead for the Mustangs, as the Aggies began to heat up. The first half ended in favor of the Aggies, 35-22.

In the second half the Mustangs would be able to trim the lead to 10 points at the under 16 timeout, but that would be the closet they would be able to get. The Aggie would catch fire and extend their lead to 20 quickly. The highlight of the second half was a scoop and slam by Miller. The Mustangs would fall 78-43.

Four Aggies would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Jaden Harris had a game-high 24 points with five 3s and seven boards. Jaylin Jackson-Posey assed 12 points and six assists. Robert Carpenter added 11 points and Jordan Rawls contributed 10.

Top Mustangs:
 
Aaron Miller (Queens Village, NY/Benjamin Cardozo High School): 10 pts, 5 rebs, 1 stl, (4-5 FG), (2-3 3FG)
 
Allen Fordham (Far Rockaway, NY/Queens High School For Technology): 10 pts
 

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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, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok & Instagram)