SILVER CITY, N.M. — Western New Mexico (8-2, 2-1 Lone Star) secured a 70-65 victory over UT Dallas (1-10, 1-3 Lone Star) on Saturday at Drag's Court. The home team outscored their opponents 36-20 in the paint, contributing to their narrow win in this league matchup. The Mustangs have their best start since the 1994 season, going 8-2 in the first 10 games.
"This team really has the mentality of winning comes first and individual accolades come second," said Head Coach
Mark Bunker. "I was anxious about today since we were playing in front of the home crowd can be challenging."
The Mustangs initiated the game strongly, scoring first with an
Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) jumper at 19:33 and quickly building momentum.
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) fueled the early charge, contributing with a layup at 17:48 following his own steal, extending the lead to 8–2. Texas-Dallas responded but WNMU maintained control, with
Keylon Dorsey's (Houston, TX/Eisenhower High School) three-pointer at 3:12 pushing the home team's advantage to 30–20.
"Andre was great for us tonight," said Bunker. "He does so many great things with us and has been an anchor on the defensive ends as well."
Despite a late surge by the Comets including a fastbreak dunk by Hudson Goellner with 11 seconds left, WNMU held a narrow lead at the end of the half. The half concluded with Western N.M. leading 32–30.
The Mustangs gained momentum early in the second half with
Carson Kelly's (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) fast-break 3-pointer and jumper, boosting the home team ahead 37–32.
Isaiah Broady's (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) key plays, including a fast-break dunk at 9:09 and a late tip-in at 0:40, reinforced their lead. UTD stayed in contention, tying the score at 52–52, but WNMU pulled away in the closing minutes. The half concluded at 70–65 in favor of the Mustangs, securing the victory.
Isaiah Broady (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) led the team with 19 points, adding two blocks and two steals. Harris contributed with 12 points and dominated the boards with 10 rebounds. Seales scored 12 points and recorded two steals, while Dorsey added five points and collected six rebounds.
"Guys like
Isaiah Broady (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) stepped up bug for us again. When he and Andre are going, we are a really tough team," said Bunker.
Peyton Dulin led with 14 points and recorded four steals, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Jaden Jefferson scored 17 points, making 6 of 12 field goals, including three 3-pointers. Bryce Potts added 13 points, converting 5 of 7 shots from the field. Goellner contributed defensively with two steals, while also adding four points.
The Mustangs has an overall record of 8-2 and is 2-1 in Lone Star Conference play. UTD currently holds a 1-10 overall record and is 1-3 in the Lone Star Conference.
In their next matchup, the Mustangs will host West Texas A&M at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico. The game is set for Friday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. MT.
