CANYON, Texas– The Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball team finished a four-game road trip by taking on the number one team in the country, West Texas A&M. The Buffs defeated the Mustangs 100-78.
 
This puts the Mustangs at 3-19 (1-16).
 
Two Mustangs managed double-digits on the Buffs. Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) lead the way with 25 points, including three from deep. Allen Fordham (Far Rockaway, NY/Queens High School For Technology) added 20 points.
 
A rough afternoon from beyond the arc for the Mustangs and a scorching hot afternoon from the Buffs would be the undoing for the Mustangs.
 
Mustangs shot 16-41 (39%) from the field and 3-10 (30%) from deep in the first half. WNMU finished the game shooting 30-77 (39%) and 6-21 (28%) from three. West Texas would shoot 34-72 (47%) from the field and 18-39 (46%) from behind the arc for the game.
 
At the charity stripe WNMU went 12-18 (66%) and West Texas shot 14-19 (73%).

On the boards, Donovan Black (Las Cruces, NM/Del Valle High School) each secured nine rebounds. Nik Atanasovs (Riga, Latvia/Vidusskloa) added seven boards. Four Mustangs recorded an assist.

In the defensive department, two Mustangs had two steals each. Donovan Black (Las Cruces, NM/Del Valle High School) recorded a block.
 
The Mustangs began the first half with back-to-back threes by Seales in the first minute. WNMU and the number one team in the nation would go bucket for bucket for most of the first half. The Buffs ended the first half on an 18-4 run for 50-35.

In the second half the Buffs would keep a steady 15-point lead for most of the second half. With 12 minutes left the Buffs would let off a barrage of threes to keep their lead above 20 points. No. 1 West Texas A&M would defeat the Mustangs 100-78.
 
Zach Toussaint scored 27 points on the Mustangs. Larry Wise added 25 as well.
 
Top Mustangs:
 
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School): 25 pts, (10-18 FGs), (3-4 3FGs)
 
Allen Fordham (Far Rockaway, NY/Queens High School For Technology): 20 pts, (6-9 FTs), 6 rebs
 
The Mustangs will be back in action on Drag's Court next Thursday night, February 22nd against Arkansas Fort-Smith, for their Purple Haze Game and the return of former Head Coach Zane Gibson (7:30 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, TikTok & Instagram