ALPINE, TEXAS - Western New Mexico University's men's basketball team opened up LSC play against the the Sul Ross Lobos Saturday afternoon still searching to get in the win column in 2024. The Mustangs would go into half trailing by 13 points, but a resurgent team would emerge from the locker room, shooting a remarkable 50% from the field in the second half, defeating Sul Ross State, 69-57, securing the Mustangs first win of the season.

Western New Mexico struggled early, shooting just 34.5% in the first half. Despite this, they kept pace with Sul Ross, who shot 50% in the first half and took a 40-27 lead into the break. 

The second half was a different story. WNMU's offense came alive, as they shot 50% from the field and 77.8% from the free-throw line. Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) was a key factor in the comeback, finishing the game with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and shooting 6-13 from the field, including 3-6 from three-point range. Isaiah Marin (Phoenix, AZ/Copper Canyon High School) also stepped up, contributing 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists.

The Mustangs had all members contributing, with Yves Nkomba (Leeds, United Kingdom/Elevation Preparatory Academy) adding 10 points and 5 rebounds, while Nathan Jones (Leicester, United Kingdom/) chipped in with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Aiden Wall (North Richland Hills, TX/Keller Central High School) had a solid game as well, finishing with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Mustangs will be at home for the first time all season, battling it out with the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys November 26, 2024, at 1 p.m. MDT.