SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team returned home for the first time in 2024 with a matchup against the Mustangs of Midwestern State. MSU would defeat WNMU 90-77.
This puts the Mustangs at 3-9 (1-6).
Five Mustangs managed double-digits on the other Mustangs.
Donovan Black (Las Cruces, NM/Del Valle High School) and
Jordan Williams (Pensacola, FL/J. M. Tate High School) lead the way with 15 points each. This was career-high for Black.
Tanner Vogel's (Stratham, Australia/Georgiana Molloy Anglican School) first home appearance netted 14 points.
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) added 13 and
Allen Fordham (Far Rockaway, NY/Queens High School For Technology) contributed 11.
Bench points and a rough first half shooting the ball would be hurtful to WNMU. MSU's bench outscored the WNMU bench 28-18.
WNMU shot 9-33 (27%) from the field and 1-10 (10%) from deep in the first half. WNMU finished the game shooting 25-69 (36%) and 7-26 (26%) from three. MSU would shoot 28-64 (43%) from the field and 7-25 (28%) from behind the arc for the game.
At the charity stripe WNMU went 20-26 (76%) and MSU shot 27-32 (84%).
On the boards, Vogel grabbed eight rebounds.
LaMarqus Merchant Jr. (Utica, NY/Utica Academy of Science) dished out four assists.
In the defensive department, Williams was good for two steals. Three Mustangs added a block.
WNMU began the first half trading baskets with MSU despite a rough shooting performance. MSU would eventually settle in and build a 22-point lead. The half ended in favor of MSU, 53-34.
In the second half the WNMU trimmed quickly to 10 before the first media timeout. This ensued a 10-0 by MSU to bring the lead back to 20. WNMU would make a late push, but ultimately fall 90-77.
Mason Gibson scored a game-high 22-points for MSU. Pierre Sanders added 17.
Top Mustangs:
Donovan Black (Las Cruces, NM/Del Valle High School): 15 pts (5-9 FGs)
Jordan Williams (Pensacola, FL/J. M. Tate High School)l: 15 pts, (6-12 FGs)
The Mustangs will be back in action January 13
th at Drag's Court vs Cameron (2:00 PM MT).
This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!
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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, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok & Instagram)
