Silver City, N.M. - Western New Mexico University's men's basketball took on the Dallas Baptist University Patriots. The Mustangs led most of the first half and for a good while into the second, playing very well, high-intensity basketball. Unfortunately, the Patriots fought hard to the end, securing a late lead that would end in their victory of 84-71.
Western was led by Isaiah Marin (Phoenix, AZ/Copper Canyon High School) with 18 points(6-9), 7 rebounds, and 2 steals on the day. He was backed up by Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School)(4-13) and Matthew Okoye (Sugarland, TX/Stephen F. Austin High School)(6-14), both ending the game with 14 points. Another mentionable performance is that of Jalen Williams (Hayward, CA/Shadow Mountain High School), who had to leave the game early due to injury in the first half, with 11 points(4-4) in just 9 minutes of playing time.
In the first half, the Mustangs were shooting 46.67%(14-30) from the field and 45.45%(5-11) beyond the arc. The Patriots were shooting 39.39%(13-33) from the field and just 20.0%(2-10) from 3-point range. In the second half Western saw a drop in accuracy, only shooting 37.04%(10-27) from the field and just 27.27%(3-11) from 3-point range. Concurrently, the Patriots saw a considerable swing in their accuracy, shooting 60.61%(20-33) from the field and 42.86%(3-7) from beyond the arc. Mustangs had somewhat lackluster day from the free-throw line, shooting 75.00%(15-20), while the Patriots had an even less spectacular performance, shooting only 68.4%(13-19). Overall, the Mustangs came to win, battling to the end and giving everything they had. The comeback in the later second half by the Patriots simply proved too much and the final score ended up being 84-71, Dallas Baptist.
The Mustangs will be back home for a matchup against another Patriot team, University of Texas at Tyler. They will be tipping off December 19th, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. MDT.

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, Facebook, YouTube & Instagram).