Odessa, T.X. - Western New Mexico University's men's basketball battled it out with the University of Texas-Permian Basin Falcons. The Mustangs and Falcons were back and forth until the final minute. Western would eventually fall 83-66, due to a loss of momentum in the mid-second half.

    The Mustangs were led offensively by Matthew Okoye (Sugarland, TX/Stephen F. Austin High School) with 20 points(7-22), Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) with 19 points(7-15), and James McCallum (Long Beach, CA./St. Bernard's High School) with 14 points(5-8). On the defensive side, James McCallum (Long Beach, CA./St. Bernard's High School) led in rebounds with eight, while Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) led in steals with two.

    In the first half, the Mustangs were shooting a dismal 55.2%(16-29) from the field and 45.5%(5-11) beyond the arc. UTPB shot 38.7%(12-31) from the field and 50%(6-12) from 3-point range. In the second half, Western averaged 26.5%(9-34) from the field, making a huge momentum swing, and 12.5%(1-8) from 3-point range. On the opposing side, the Falcons finished the second half shooting 35.9%(14-39) from the field and 33.3%(5-15) from beyond the arc. Western excelled from the free-throw line, shooting 77.8%(7-9). Conversely, UTPB shot 63.6%(7-11) from the line. The final score was 83-66, Falcons.

    Western will be staying on the road this Saturday, playing the Angelo State University Rams. They will be tipping off February 1st, 2025, at 2:00 p.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).