LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team took a quick trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico for an in-state battle against New Mexico Highlands. The Mustangs won the game in emphatic fashion, as
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) iced the game as the buzzer rang for an 80-79 victory.
"It took all 40 minutes tonight to earn the win, but that's how rivalry games are supposed to be, said Head Coach Mark Bunker. "We battled all night and could not get away from them. They tried to do the same and our guys were very resilient and didn't give in. Very happy for our guys and thank goodness we found Tavi at the right moment. This will make Thanksgiving a little more special for all of us.
Three Mustangs managed double-digits on the Cowboys.
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) scored a game-high 30 points, going 12-17 from the field, including a game-winner.
James McCallum (Long Beach, CA./St. Bernard's High School) scored a season-high 13 points.
Prosper Obidiebube (Houston, TX/Aspire Academy) added 12.
The Mustangs shot 12-28 (42%) from the field and 1-6 (16%) from deep in the first half. WNMU finished the game shooting 30-61 (49%) and 5-11 (38%) from three. The Cowboys would shoot 31-62 (50%) from the field and 6-13 (46%) from behind the arc for the game.
At the charity stripe the Mustangs went 15-19 (78%) and the Cowboys shot 11-18 (61%).
On the boards LaMarqus Merchant Jr secured nine rebounds. Merchant dished out four assists on the evening.
In the defensive department,
Evan Butts (Houston, TX/Cy Fair High School) snagged two steals
The Mustangs began the first half trading the lead with the Cowboys, as neither team seemed to be able to get much going.
Evan Butts (Houston, TX/Cy Fair High School) would hit a three going into the half giving the Mustangs a 33-32 advantage going into the half.
In the second half the Mustangs built their biggest lead, four with 11:51 left to play. The Cowboys did not back down and tied it up 60-60. As time clicked down, the Cowboys took the lead 79-77. Down two with less than a second less, Seales, sealed the game with a three-pointer for the win 80-79.
Messiah Turner lead the Cowboys in scoring with 14 points.
The Mustangs will be in action next Thursday, November 30
th (7:30 PM MT).
This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!
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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)
