Cedar City, Utah - The Western New Mexico Mustangs Men's Basketball team continues to their second game of the early 2024-2025 season. In a spirited exhibition at the America First Event Center in Cedar City against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Western New Mexico would battle hard, putting up a fight but ultimately not being able to hold on, falling 68-96 in front of a crowd of 1,486. The Mustangs did not perform well in their shooting era, averaging a total of 38.5% (25-65), while the Thunderbirds were 48.6% (35-72). The Mustangs did outperform the Thunderbirds with their three-pointers and free throw percentages, averaging 38.9% (7-18) versus 38.5% (10-26), and 91.7% (11-12) versus 80.0% (16-20).

Yves Nkomba (Leeds, United Kingdom/Elevation Preparatory Academy) and Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) led the Mustangs with 13 points each. Pulling their weight even more, Yves Nkomba (Leeds, United Kingdom/Elevation Preparatory Academy) and Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) went 3-4 and 2-2 in free throws. Quincy Adams (Frisco, TX/Hamilton High School) and James McCallum (Long Beach, CA./St. Bernard's High School) contributed a total of 11 points for the team, going 4-4 and 2-2 for their free throws. Isaiah Marin (Phoenix, AZ/Copper Canyon High School) played a defensive game, recording a total of eight rebounds for the Mustangs. Leading the team in assists, Isaiah Marin (Phoenix, AZ/Copper Canyon High School) also gave his team a helping hand with a total of four.

The Thunderbirds capitalized on Western New Mexico's 15 turnovers, generating 22 points off those miscues and establishing a strong lead early. Western New Mexico fought hard with 10 second-chance points and seven fast-break points.

The Mustangs are on the road to Alamosa, Colorado, for game three of their early season on November 8, 2024, against Westminster. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. 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, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube & Instagram).