Silver City, N.M. - Western New Mexico University's men's basketball faced off against the University of Texas-Permian Basin Falcons. The Mustangs fought well and kept the game within reach but could not seal the deal by the end of the game, falling 80-64.

    Western was led by Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) with 20 points(5-12). He was supported by James McCallum (Long Beach, CA./St. Bernard's High School) with 12 points(5-10) and Matthew Okoye (Sugarland, TX/Stephen F. Austin High School) with 10 points(3-14), Okoye also led in rebounds with six.

    In the first half, the Mustangs were shooting 29.2%(7-24) from the field and 18.2%(2-11) beyond the arc. The Falcons were shooting 48.4%(15-31) from the field and 14.3%(1-7) from 3-point range. In the second half, Western did their best to close the gap and find a lead but ended up only managing 40.6%(13-32) from the field, a good improvement from the first quarter, and 8.3%(1-12) from 3-point range. On the opposing side, UTPB finished the second half shooting 38.5%(10-26) from the field and 50.0%(3-6) from beyond the arc. Mustangs did well from the free throw line, shooting 80.8%(21-26), while the Falcons only shot 78.8%(26-33) from the line. By the end of the game, the Mustangs were not able to obtain the lead and would lose 80-64.

The Mustangs will be out on the road this week playing Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas this Thursday. They will be tipping off January 9th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. MDT.

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).