Box Score LUBBOCK, TX. — In a nail-biter at the Rip Griffin Center, the WNMU Mustangs (21-6, 14-5 Lone Star) fell just short against Lubbock Christian (25-4, 16-3 Lone Star), with a final score of 83-87 on Thursday evening. This intense matchup saw the lead change hands 19 times and the score tied 13 times, highlighting just how closely matched these teams were.
The Mustangs kicked things off with
Isaiah Broady (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) draining a jumper a mere 23 seconds in. Despite consistent hustle, including
Andre Harris's (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) impressive work in the paint and clutch 3-pointers from
Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School), the game remained a back-and-forth affair. In a thrilling final minute,
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) nailed a pivotal 3-pointer to briefly edge the Mustangs ahead, but Lubbock Christian answered swiftly with a layup and a free throw in the last eight seconds to regain the lead. The first half wrapped up with Western New Mexico trailing by a hair, 46-45.
In the second half, Western New Mexico kept the heat on Lubbock Christian, with Harris leading the charge by sinking key shots to keep the scoreline tight. The Mustangs dominated the paint with a 22–16 advantage but still found themselves trailing. Seales kept the pressure on with crucial free throws, yet Lubbock Christian held onto their slim lead. The game concluded with the Mustangs just behind at 87-83.
Seales spearheaded the scoring with 20 points, hitting 6 of 10 from the field and 7 of 8 from the line. Harris was a standout with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, plus two blocks and three steals. Nolan Brown was a force on the boards, grabbing six rebounds and adding seven points. Kelly wrapped up the night with 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers and a perfect five-for-five on free throws.
Next up, Western New Mexico is set to take on Midwestern State this Saturday, Feb. 28, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas. Tip-off is at 2 p.m. MT.
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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).
