SILVER CITY, N.M. — Western New Mexico (20-5, 13-4 Lone Star) clinched an 88-77 win over #14 St. Edward's (23-6, 12-6 Lone Star) on Thursday night at Drag's Court. This victory marks the 20th win, the most in the Division 2 era for Men's Basketball. The Mustangs flexed their depth, with the bench pouring in 34 points to secure the victory.

The Mustangs kicked off with a strong start, jumping ahead with an 8–4 run, sparked by Quincy Adams' (Frisco, TX/Hamilton High School) 3-pointer just 18 seconds in. Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) played a pivotal role, dishing out key assists, including a slick pass to Isaiah Broady (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) for a tip-in at 9:02, keeping the momentum firmly in Mustang hands. On defense, they showcased their tenacity with five blocks, battling in the paint to match St. Edward's 12 inside points and securing a 25–21 advantage on the boards. Nolan Brown ended the half on a high, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers to extend Western New Mexico's lead. The Mustangs headed into halftime up 37–28.

In the second half, Western New Mexico asserted their dominance inside, racking up 24 points in the paint. Key contributions came from Keylon Dorsey (Houston, TX/Eisenhower High School) and Broady, while Harris continued to be a force with vital rebounds and assists. Despite a strong push from the Hilltoppers, who put up 49 points in the half, the Mustangs held firm, sealing the game at 88–77.

Head Coach Mark Bunker reflected, "It was a complete win for us on both ends. They're such a tough team, so pulling out a win really means a lot."

Brown led the charge with 24 points, hitting six from beyond the arc and staying flawless at the line with six free throws. Harris notched a double-double, tallying 12 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Broady added 15 points and six rebounds, while Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) orchestrated the offense with five assists and five points.

"When we defend as one unit, it triggers our offense and transition game" Coach Bunker said. "Isaiah stepped up big on defense tonight, and NoNo's hard work paid off with a needed performance to get the win."

The Mustangs now stand at 20-5 overall and 13-4 in Lone Star play, while St. Edward's is 23-6 overall and 12-6 in the conference.

Up next, Western New Mexico takes on St. Mary's on Saturday, Feb. 21, for Senior Day at Drag's Court, with a 2 p.m. tipoff. The Mustangs will be defending home court.

 

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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).