NAMPA, Idaho — Western N.M. (7-2, 1-1 Lone Star) secured an 84-79 victory over Northwest Nazarene (8-2, 2-0 Great Northwest) on Monday at the Johnson Sports Center. The Mustangs capitalized on their free throw opportunities, converting 25 of 29 attempts to help clinch the win, with an impressive free throw shooting percentage of 86.2%.

Western New Mexico opened the first half with an offensive surge, quickly establishing a lead with Isaiah Broady's (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) layup and subsequent 3-pointer in the initial two minutes. The team maintained momentum through efficient fast breaks, amassing eight points in transition and capitalizing on secondary scoring opportunities. Despite Northwest Nazarene's efforts to close the gap, the Mustangs' bench contributed 16 points, helping them sustain their lead. The half ended with Western New Mexico ahead, 39–33.

"We definitely wanted to focus on defense tonight and have it turn into offense for us," said Head Coach Mark Bunker. "They were a top-5 offensive efficiency team, and we knew we had to be great on the defensive end to give ourselves a chance."

Western New Mexico seized momentum midway through the second half with a 13-0 run, extending a lead to 51-38 at 13:38. Broady sparked the surge with a fastbreak layup and free throw. Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) contributed significantly, adding a tip-in to widen the gap further. Despite the Nighthawks' attempts to close the deficit, Western New Mexico maintained control. Nolan Brown's three-pointer at 10:17 and Carson Kelly's (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) three-pointer at 9:32 added crucial points, maintaining their lead. The half concluded with the Mustangs leading 82-74, and the game ended with a final score of 84-79.

Broady scored 18 points, converting all seven of his free throw attempts and adding two blocks. Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) also tallied 18 points, hitting 8 of 10 from the line and providing three assists. Brown finished with 13 points, recorded two steals, and contributed two assists. Kelly added 10 points and collected five rebounds. Impressively, four Mustangs managed to shoot in double-digits, showcasing their balanced scoring.

"We need to clean up a few things late in the games, but i was very happy with our free throw shooting, which allowed us to close it out," said Bunker.

Easton Reagan led the Nighthawks with 24 points, shooting 9-for-23 from the field, and added eight rebounds. Kyelin King contributed 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting and recorded three blocks. Briggs Ranstrom posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while also collecting four assists. Michael Day made a significant defensive impact with four blocks and six rebounds. Parker Martens added 13 points, connecting on four 3-pointers.

Western N.M. stands at 7-2 overall and 1-1 in Lone Star competition. Northwest Nazarene, known for being a top 25 offense, holds an 8-2 record overall and is 2-0 in the Great Northwest conference.

In their next game, the Mustangs will host UT Dallas, for their first home game of the season at Drag's Court in Silver City, NM. The matchup is set for Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).