TYLER, Texas — The WNMU Mustangs (10-3, 4-2 Lone Star) squeezed past the University of Texas at Tyler (7-5, 1-5 Lone Star) with a nail-biting 76-74 victory on Thursday night at the Herrington Patriot Center. This win bumps the Mustangs' record to an even 4-4 against the Patriots since 2020, underscoring the fierce rivalry between these squads.

Western New Mexico leaned on a strong inside game to take a narrow 33-32 lead at halftime. They outmuscled UT Tyler in the paint, scoring 20 points to the Patriots' 18, which helped them maintain their edge. Despite shooting just 31% from the field, the Mustangs made the most of their second chances, notching nine points from nine offensive rebounds and matching the Patriots with seven points off turnovers.

"UT Tyler is a tough team and was definitely ready for us from the start" said Head Coach Mark Bunker. "We struggled to get into a flow with our offense, so we couldn't take or extend a lead until late in the game."

The second half was another close battle, but WNMU clinched the win, 76-74. Their clutch free-throw shooting—converting 16 of 19—was crucial in the closing minutes. Even with nine turnovers, the Mustangs held their ground, outscoring UT Tyler 43-42 in the half, thanks in part to a bench that chipped in 10 points. The contest wrapped up with WNMU on top, 76-74. The Mustangs cashed in on their chances at the line, sinking 27 of 38 free throws, which proved decisive in this tight conference showdown. 

Isaiah Broady (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) delivered a standout performance, posting a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Keylon Dorsey (Houston, TX/Eisenhower High School) made his presence felt on defense with two steals and added eight points. Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) was a force, leading in field goals made with 15 points and grabbing five rebounds. James McCallum (Long Beach, CA./St. Bernard's High School) was perfect from the line, hitting all six of his free throws to finish with 10 points.

For the Patriots, Sam Phipps led the charge with 18 points on efficient 8-of-10 shooting, alongside four blocks and three steals. Sean Emfinger added 17 points, a team-high three assists, and two steals. John Barbee chipped in 10 points, going 4-of-7 from the stripe, and collected seven rebounds. Hudson Anderson and Phipps each added two steals to boost the defensive effort.

"We have another great adversary coming up with DBU. They run a very strong system with their tempo and defense" said Bunker. "We will prepare as much as we can tonight and tomorrow, to be ready for a battle once again."

Up next, the Mustangs gear up to face DBU on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. MT in Dallas, Texas.
 

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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).