SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team would host Lubbock Christian on Thursday night. The Mustangs would defeat the Chaps 82-81 in a thrilling game, as the Chaps missed two free throws in the final seconds.
This puts the Mustangs at 14-9 (8-9).
"LCU is a great team," said Head Coach Zane Gibson. "They will be in the NCAA Tournament, so any win over them will be a great win."
Three Mustangs would manage double-figures on Chaps. Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) scored a game-high and season-high with 24 points on 8-10 from the field. Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS) added 17 points including 8-8 from the charity stripe. Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy) would chip in 13 points.
Turnovers and Points in the Paint would be WNMU's keys once again. The Mustangs would only commit seven turnovers compared to 12 from the Chaps. Those 12 Chaps TOs would lead to 26 fast break points compared to 12 from the Chaps. The Mustangs would also outscore the Chaps 42-22 in the paint.
"We are playing faster, that is helping us as a team get to the basket more before the defense can get set," said Gibson.
WNMU would also win the Free Throw battle going 27-29 (93%) compared to 20-29 (69%).
On the boards, Olamide Pedersen (Bronshoj, Denmark/Sunrise Christian Academy) would record a game-high eight boards. McFadden and Joshuwan Johnson (Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa High School) would lead the team win three assists each.
In the defensive department, McFadden would acquire three steals.
In the first half the WNMU would shoot 44% from the field and 25% from behind the arc. WNMU would finish the game shooting 44% from the field and 23% from three. Lubbock would shoot 50% for the game and 33% from behind the three-point line.
The first half began with both teams essentially in a stalemate going back-and-forth, with the biggest lead being six points by the Chaps. The Chaps would take the lead into the half 44-42.
In the second half it would be more of the same with the teams trading the lead multiple times. There would be a total of 16 lead changes. As the clock ticked down, Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL) would hit a right-handed hook shoot with 62 seconds left to put the Mustangs up 1. After a tough fought possession, the Mustangs would foul Russell Harrison with .9 seconds left to play. This would put Harrison at the line for two free throws. Harrison would miss both free, his only misses of the game. The Mustangs would secure the rebound as time expired, giving them their first three game win streak in conference on the season and their first ever sweep of Lubbock Christian.
"Excited for our guys, but we have another monster game against West Texas," said Gibson. "They are a great team and this will be a huge challenge for us Saturday afternoon."
Five Chaps would manage double-digits on the Mustangs. Mackenzie Rowan scored 23 points, with five assists. Karhan Jones added 15 points. Harrison would chip in 14 points an six boards. Kurt Wegscheider would also add 14 points and Aaron Gonzales would score 10 points.
Top Mustangs:
Jaylin McFadden (Rockford, IL): 24 pts, 3 stls, (8-10 FGS) (8-9 FTs)
Tony Avalos (Las Cruces, NM/Onate HS): 17 pts, (4-7 FGS) (8-8 FTs)
Ian Hohenstein (Veracruz, Mexico/Faith Christian Academy): 13 pts (5-6 FGs)
The Mustangs will hit Drag's Court for their next match up against West Texas A&M on February 11th (7:30PM MT).
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).
