WICHITA FALLS, TX — The Western New Mexico Mustangs (22-6, 15-5 Lone Star) powered their way to an 88-74 win against Midwestern State (8-19, 6-14 Lone Star) on Saturday at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. With a dominant second half, the Mustangs outscored their opponents 54-36 and racked up an impressive 56 points in the paint.

The Mustangs started strong, taking an early lead when Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) sank two free throws just 37 seconds in. Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) was pivotal, delivering crucial assists and scoring in the paint, highlighted by a layup at 15:31 that evened the score at 12. Despite some turnovers, the Mustangs stayed neck-and-neck with Midwestern State, bolstered by a 3-pointer from Nolan Brown at 5:38 that briefly put them ahead. Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) capped off the half with a 3-pointer with only 22 seconds on the clock, closing it out with the Mustangs trailing 38-34.

Western New Mexico took control in the second half with a relentless offensive display. Seales was on fire, driving in multiple layups, including a fast-break gem at 17:09. Harris was a force, consistently scoring in the paint and sinking crucial free throws, as the Mustangs extended their lead. By the final buzzer, they had outpaced Midwestern State 54-36 in the half, sealing the 88-74 victory.

Harris led the charge with 29 points, hitting 9 of 12 free throws and dishing out eight assists. Seales added 20 points, pulled down nine rebounds, and made all four of his free throws. Brown chipped in with 10 points, grabbed eight boards, and blocked two shots. Tanner Poeschl (Fountain Hills, AZ/Skyline High School) added six points, eight rebounds, and snagged two steals.

For Midwestern State, Jordan Reed led with 16 points, making 8 of 10 free throws, alongside seven rebounds and four assists. Charles Fofanah topped their scoring with 18 points, including three 3-pointers. Terrance Ramirez contributed 11 points and showcased his defensive prowess with two steals and five assists.

Western New Mexico now holds a 22-6 record, including a 15-5 mark in Lone Star play, while Midwestern State stands at 8-19 overall and 6-14 in the Lone Star competition.
 

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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).