FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team traveled to Arkansas Fort-Smith on Thursday night for a pivotal matchup with the Lions. The Lions would defeat the Mustangs 70-56.
This puts the Mustangs at 14-11 (8-11).
One Mustang would manage double-figures on the Lions. Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) led the way with 12 points on 5-8 from the field. Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) would add 8 points. Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/) and Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) would both chip in 6 points.
Rebounding and the three-point shot would be the Mustangs undoing. The Lions would manage to outrebound the Mustangs 32-24, including six offensive boards. WNMU would shoot an abysmal 2-12 (16%) from deep, including 1-7(14%) in the first half, while the Lions managed to shoot 5-14 (36%).
The Lions would do a good job of limiting the Mustangs on the fast break, only allowing five fast-break points.
At the charity stripe the Lions would shoot 17-22 (79%) compared to 10-16 (63%) for the Mustangs.
On the boards, Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) would lead the way with five boards. Littles would lead the team with three assists.
In the defensive department, McFadden and Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe HS) would each record a steal. Pedersen would protect the rim with two blocks. Those two blocks would keep Pedersen ranked Top 20 in the nation for blocks per game and total blocks.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 42% from the field and 14% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game shooting 45% from the field and 16% from three. AFS would shoot 49% for the game and 36% from behind the three-point line.
The Lions and Mustangs would essentially play a back-and-forth game in the first half until the 11:04 mark. From there the Lions would take the lead for good and close out the half on a 21 to 11 run to take a 38-28 lead into the half.
In the second half the Lions would jump out to a quick 6-0 run before a Mustang timeout. The Lions would be able to build the lead to 16 before the Mustangs tried to make a comeback. WNMU would be able to cut the deficit to nine points before the Lions would put them away for good 70-56.
Three Lions would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Payton Brown would score a game-high 14 points. David Ekezie would contribute 13 points. Jaxon Ingram would add 12 points.
Top Mustangs:
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS): 12 pts (5-8 FGs)
Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL): 8 pts
The Mustangs will hit the for their next match up against Oklahoma Christian on February 18th (2:00PM MT).
This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics! Â
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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, TikTok & Instagram).
