SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team would host Midwestern State on Saturday afternoon. The Mustangs would defeat the other Mustangs. 79-64.
This puts the Mustangs at 13-9 (7-9).
Four Mustangs would manage double-figures on MSU. Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) would score a game-high 7 points on 6-10 shooting. DJ Heath (Anniston, AL) would add 13 points, including 8-8 from the charity stripe. Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe HS) and Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX) would both chip in 12 points each.
 Turnovers and Points in the Paint would be WNMU's keys once again. WNMU would force MSU into 15 TOs compared to a season-low six TOs from WNMU. Those 15 TOs would lead to 17 fast break points compared to 0 for MSU. WNMU would also outscore MSU in the paint 44-16.
The WNMU bench would also outscore the MSU Bench 25-13. WNMU also dominated Second Chance Points 17-6.
"The guys did a good job today," said Head Coach Zane Gibson. "We really shared the ball and took care of it."
On the boards, Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) would record a game-high 12 boards. Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) would add seven rebounds. Avalos would dish out four assists.
In the defensive department, McFadden would be good for two steals. Pedersen would protect the rim again with two blocks.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 31% from the field and 25% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game shooting 39% from the field and 25% from three. MSU would shoot 35% for the game and 39% from behind the three-point line.
"MSU is a very difficult team to play because of much they change their defense," said Gibson. "It took us sometime to figure it out, but once we did, the guys started playing downhill and playing fast in transition."
The first half began with both teams essentially in a stalemate going back-and-forth, with MSU taking a 30-27 lead into the half.
In the second half WNMU would take the lead 35-32 and never relinquish it. WNMU would lead by as many as 18 before defeating MSU 79-64.
"This was a good team win tonight by our guys," said Gibson.
Three MSU Mustangs would manage double-digits on WNMU. Jermane Carter, Derrick Ogechi and Pierre Sanders would all score 14 points each. Carter would also add eight rebounds.
Top Mustangs:
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS): 17 pts, 4 asts (6-10 FGs)
DJ Heath (Anniston, AL): 13 pts, (8-8 FTs)
Amarion Cash (Phoenix, AZ/Mountain Pointe HS): 12 pts, (2-4 3FGs)
Isaiah Lewis (Mansfield, TX): 12 pts
Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL): 6 pts, 12 rebs, 2 stls
The Mustangs will hit Drag's Court for their next match up against Lubbock Christian on February 9th (7:30PM 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).
