PORTALES, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team traveled to Portales on Monday night for a pivotal matchup against in-state rival Eastern New Mexico to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Mustangs would defeat the Greyhounds 82-73.
This puts the Mustangs at 16-11 (10-11).
"This is a rivalry game, emotions and competition are always high," said Head Coach Zane Gibson.
Three Mustangs would manage double-figures on the Eagles. Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) would record a game-high 18 points on7-11 from deep and 2-3 behind the arc. Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) would add 14 points including three from deep. Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) would chip in 10 points for the Mustangs.
A great shooting day from deep and fast break points would be the recipe for success for the Mustangs. WNMU would manage to an impressive shoot 7-15 (47%) from three. On the fast break the Mustangs would pour in 33 of their 82 points, while limiting the Greyhounds to 20 fast break points.
"Eastern is really good team in transition," said Gibson. "We wanted to keep them in the half court, so getting back was huge thing for us."
The Greyhounds would do a good job turning over the Mustangs. ENMU would force 20 TOs on the Mustangs compared to only 10 from the Greyhounds.
At the charity stripe the Mustangs would shoot 17-25 (68%) compared to 7-10 (70%) for the Greyhounds.
On the boards, Pedersen and McFadden would lead the way with nine boards each. Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX) would add eight rebounds as well. DJ Heath (Anniston, AL) would lead the Mustangs with four assists.
In the defensive department, Keith Littles (Augusta, GA/) and Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe HS) would each record two steals. Three other Mustangs would record a steal. Pedersen and Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) would protect the rim with two blocks each. Those two blocks by Pedersen would keep him ranked Top 20 in the nation for blocks per game and total blocks.
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After a slow start in the first half, the Coach Gibson would deploy a lineup of Johnson, Heath, Andres Andrade Rossi (Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Spain/The Phelps School), Lewis and Hohenstein to steady the ship. The lineup came in trailing by six and would proceed to go on a 14-4 run by deploying a 1-2-2 zone. The Mustangs would lead by as many as seven points before going into the half tied up at 29.
"We adjusted back to man in the second half because we wanted to give them a different look," said Gibson. "We didn't want them to get comfortable against any one particular defense."
In the second half the Mustangs and Greyhounds would take turns trading leads until back-to-back 3s by Johnson would open the lead up to 10 points. This would lead to a 19-4 run by the Mustangs before the Greyhounds called timeout with 4:27 left in the game. The Greyhounds would be able to get as close as seven point before the Mustangs put them away 82-73.
Two Greyhounds would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Grehlon Easter would score 14 points including three from deep. Greg Johnson would add 12 points.
"To repeat what we did today on Thursday, we have to stay composed and play basketball the right way," said Gibson.
Top Mustangs:
Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL): 18 pts (7-11 FGs) (2-3 3FGS) 9 rebs
Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School): 14 pts (4-8 FGs) (3-6FGs)
Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy): 10 pts 9 rebs 2 blks
Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX): 8 rebs
The Mustangs will be home for their final regular season game against Eastern New Mexico, also known as Senior Night on February 23rd (7:30PM MT). Come on out and support the Nine Mustang Seniors!
This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics! Â
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).
