ODESSA, TX — The WNMU Mustangs (17-5, 11-4 Lone Star) pulled off a thrilling 99-90 win over UT Permian Basin (9-13, 5-9 Lone Star) on Saturday at the UTPB Gym Complex. The Mustangs dazzled with their shooting prowess, hitting 67.3% from the field and sinking 12 from downtown.

The game kicked off with a bang for Western New Mexico, as Keylon Dorsey (Houston, TX/Eisenhower High School) nailed back-to-back 3-pointers, both set up by Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep), giving the Mustangs an early edge. Harris was everywhere, scoring and setting up plays, helping the Mustangs keep control throughout the first half. Their shooting was on point, with 17 of 24 field goals and 6 of 7 from deep, plus a solid 13-point boost from the bench.

The Falcons fought hard to narrow the score, but Western New Mexico stayed strong, taking advantage of turnovers and fast breaks. Carson Kelly's (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) 3-pointer in the final minute secured a 49–40 lead going into the break.

As the second half kicked off, Western New Mexico kept up the pressure. Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) made a statement with a layup and a three, both assisted by Harris, pushing the lead to 56–42 at 18:18. Kelly added a three-pointer at 17:38, and the Mustangs held their ground with sharp shooting and more assists from Harris. Despite the Falcons' late push, Western New Mexico consistently answered back, including a clutch layup by Harris at 3:25. Both teams scored 50 in the second half, but the Mustangs came out on top, 99–90.

Kelly lit up the scoreboard with 19 points, hitting five of eight from beyond the arc. Harris matched him with 19 points and dished out 10 assists, highlighting his playmaking skills. Isaiah Broady (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) chipped in 13 points, going 5-for-6 from the field, and snagged two steals. Seales added 13 points and three assists.

"Andre was excellent for us tonight", said Head Coach Mark Bunker. "When a post can get 10 assists for us it shows how willing we are to share the ball and it makes us so much harder to guard. It was also great to see us all shoot the ball so well tonight, especially the past few games where we struggled to shoot the ball. Carson had a nice shooting night for us, and when he can stretch the floor like that for us it really helps us. Anytime that you can get conference wins on the road it's a big plus, so we are definitely happy moving forward and heading back home."

Sharrod Taylor led the Falcons, dropping 29 points with five 3-pointers and adding four steals. Bryceson Burns contributed 14 points, played tough defense with three steals, and snagged eight rebounds. Rashad Kee was sharp, hitting 5 of 8 for 12 points and grabbing six boards. Tash Lunday was clutch at the line, sinking 10 of 12 free throws, and matched Burns with eight rebounds.

Western New Mexico stands at 17-5 overall, 11-4 in Lone Star play. UT Permian Basin holds a 9-13 overall record and is 5-9 in the Lone Star Conference.

Up next, the Mustangs are set to face Sul Ross State at the Pete P. Gallego Center in Alpine, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
 

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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).