LAS CRUCES, NM — Western New Mexico lost to New Mexico St. 73-66 on Tuesday night. Western New Mexico outrebounded New Mexico St. 46-37 and held a 21-9 edge in second-chance points, but committed 14 turnovers.
Western New Mexico generated extra chances on the glass, finishing with 46 rebounds and 19 offensive boards compared with 37 and 10 for New Mexico St., and turning those into 21 second-chance points to New Mexico St.'s 9. New Mexico St. had more production off turnovers and in transition, with Western New Mexico committing 14 turnovers to New Mexico St.'s 10 while the home team held an 18-8 edge in points off turnovers and an 11-2 advantage in fast-break points.
Early on, Western New Mexico held New Mexico St. scoreless for eight possessions and scored eight straight, with
Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) putting Western New Mexico ahead 5-4 before
Jeremy Pierro's (Fresno, CA/East High School) tip-in and a fast-break layup pushed the score to 11-4. New Mexico St. cut it to 28-26 late, but Harris answered with a layup and free throw at 1:19, and Western New Mexico took a 31-26 lead into halftime.
After halftime, Western New Mexico could not protect its position as New Mexico St. scored 47 points in the second half and turned 10 Western New Mexico turnovers into 14 points. Western New Mexico made a late push, getting three free throws from
Tanner Poeschl (Fountain Hills, AZ/Skyline High School) and a
Jeremy Pierro (Fresno, CA/East High School) 3-pointer to reach 64-55 with 5:05 left. New Mexico St. answered down the stretch, and Western New Mexico fell 73-66.
Harris scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and added three assists.
NoNo Brown (Gilbert, AZ/Perry High School) finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two 3-pointers.
Mason Marsh (Rocklin, CA/Whitney High School) collected six rebounds, including five offensive boards, and added four points. Poeschl posted five points, six rebounds, one block and one steal.
DJ Dudley scored 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting, including four 3-pointers, and added five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mark Lavrenov finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds while converting 6 of 7 free throws. Gabe Pickens recorded five assists and made both of his free throws. Jermaine Washington posted three steals, six points and three assists.
Up next, Western New Mexico hosts Adams State University on Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. at Drag's Court in Silver City, N.M for a black out game.
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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).
