SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico (15-4, 9-3 Lone Star) pulled off a gritty 64-58 win against Texas A&M-Kingsville (9-10, 6-5 Lone Star) on Thursday night at Drag's Court. The Mustangs made the most of second-chance opportunities, outpacing Texas A&M-Kingsville 20-4 in those crucial points.
The first half saw both teams trading leads, with Western New Mexico keeping pace with the Javelinas.
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) was pivotal early on, sinking a 3-pointer at 18:59 and adding free throws to keep the Mustangs within striking distance. Despite a late push by Texas A&M-Kingsville, highlighted by key baskets from Nate Garcia,
Quincy Adams (Frisco, TX/Hamilton High School) hit a jumper in the closing seconds, trimming the deficit to end the half trailing 30–27.
In the second half, Western New Mexico surged ahead with a decisive run.
Carson Kelly's (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) three-point play at 16:54, followed by
Andre Harris's (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) crucial rebound and jumper, helped widen the lead. Though the Javelinas tried to rally, including a fast-break layup by Garcia, the Mustangs held firm.
As time ticked down, Kelly's clutch free throws with seven seconds left sealed the deal for Western New Mexico, wrapping up the game with a 64-58 victory.
Harris was the standout with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and added three blocks and two steals. Kelly chipped in 14 points and three assists.
Keylon Dorsey (Houston, TX/Eisenhower High School) was strong on the boards with six rebounds and two steals.
Tanner Poeschl (Fountain Hills, AZ/Skyline High School) contributed defensively with two blocks.
"Andre was great for us on both ends tonight. He finished around the rim and did a great job drawing fouls. He also rebounded a ton for us which helped us to get stops down the stretch", said Head Coach
Mark Bunker. "These kind of games are really tough when we struggle on the offensive end. But, I am also proud of how the guys battled all night to get the win. We found a way to win when things didn't go right for us, and learning how to win that way should help us later in the year."
For the Javelinas, Garcia led with 18 points, hitting 5 of 6 from the field and 8 of 9 from the line. Bryce Smith was a defensive force, snagging four steals, along with eight points and seven rebounds. James Livingston added eight points and two steals, while Daniel Sanchez anchored the defense with two blocks and seven rebounds.
Western New Mexico now boasts a 15-4 overall record, 9-3 in the Lone Star Conference. Texas A&M-Kingsville sits at 9-10 for the season, with a 6-5 conference tally.
Up next, the Mustangs face off against Texas A&M International on Saturday, Jan. 31, with tip-off set for 2 p.m. at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico in a Yellow Game in support of Stalking Awareness Month.
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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).
