SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team would host West Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon. The Buffs would defeat the Mustangs 91-66.
This puts the Mustangs at 14-10 (8-10).
One Mustang would manage double-figures on Chaps. Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) led the way with 10 points on 4-7 from the field. DJ Heath (Anniston, AL) would chip in nine points. Emmanuel White (Katy, TX) and Dane Quest (Ontario, Canada) would both add eight points as well.
Early turnovers and the three-point shot would be the Mustangs undoing. The Mustangs would commit 10 first half TOs compared to two by the Buffs. WNMU would shoot an abysmal 2-22 (9%) from deep, including 0-12 in the first half, while the Buffs managed to shoot 13-33 (39%).
The Mustangs would outscore the Buffs in the paint 42-28.
On the boards, Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX) would secure 10 rebounds. Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) would add five boards. Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/) managed three assists on the night.
In the defensive department, Littles would acquire two steals. Three other Mustangs would also record a steal. Pedersen and Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) would both block a shot tonight. Pedersen still ranks in the top 20 in the nation in total block and blocks per game.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 33% from the field and 0% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game shooting 41% from the field and 9% from three. Lubbock would shoot 44% for the game and 39% from behind the three-point line.
The Buffs would waste no time taking the lead from the Mustangs in the first half, as they would take the lead and never relinquish it. WT would end the first half on an 18-3 run including a half court buzzer beater by Zach Toussaint.
In the second half the Buffs would put the Mustangs away quickly, leading by as much as 40 points. One second half highlight was Ben Manzano (Albuquerque, NM/Volcano Vista HS) scoring his first points of the season. The Buffs would easily maintain their lead on the Mustangs, winning 91-66.
Five Buffs would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Julius Brown scored a game-high 17 points on 7-10 shooting splits and 3-4 from beyond the arc. Brown also managed five steals. Larry wise would add 16 points and two steals, including four 3s. Toussaint added 14 points. Ryland Holt managed 12 points and Damion Thornton chipped in 11 points.
Top Mustangs:
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS): 10 pts (4-7 FGs)
DJ Heath (Anniston, AL): 9 pts (4-7 FGs)
The Mustangs will hit the for their next match up against Arkansas Fort-Smith on February 16th (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).
