Box Score DALLAS, TX — Western New Mexico (22-8, 15-5 Lone Star) faced a tough matchup against St. Edward's, falling 71–83 at the Burg Center on Saturday night. Despite the setback, the Mustangs showed grit on the boards, hauling in 43 rebounds, 15 of which were offensive. This season was a landmark one for the Mustangs, marking their first national tournament appearance since 1982.
The game kicked off with a spark from the Mustangs'
Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep), who stole the ball right out of the gate, setting an aggressive tone. Western NM was strong in the paint, outscoring the Hilltoppers 16–12.
Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) and
Keylon Dorsey (Houston, TX/Eisenhower High School) nailed early 3-pointers, keeping the Mustangs in the fray.
Western NM battled fiercely, even tying the game at 37 with just 50 seconds left in the first half, thanks to a clutch 3-pointer from Nolan Brown, assisted by
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School). But the Hilltoppers nudged ahead with some late free throws, taking a narrow 39–37 lead into halftime.
The Mustangs came out fighting in the second half, with Harris tying it up at 39 with a smooth jumper. Despite a brief turnover by Kelly, the Mustangs stayed within striking distance. Harris hit a layup at 15:26, giving Western NM a fleeting lead. But the Hilltoppers surged back with a series of sharp shots, including a 3-pointer by Mason Courtney at 13:29. The Mustangs fought to rally, with
Quincy Adams (Frisco, TX/Hamilton High School) sinking a 3-pointer at 11:48 and a late bucket from Kelly, but St. Edward's held firm. The game wrapped up with the Hilltoppers ahead 83–71, outscoring the Mustangs 44–34 in the second half.
Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, alongside four assists and two steals.
Quincy Adams (Frisco, TX/Hamilton High School) topped the scoring sheet with 15 points, hitting 5 of 11 from the field.
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) added 13 points and three assists, while
Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) chipped in 12 points and three assists.
For the Hilltoppers, Blake Nielsen led with 21 points, shooting 8-for-16 and sinking three 3-pointers, adding two blocks and five rebounds. Ryder Bradley followed with 19 points, hitting 7 of 14 shots and three 3-pointers, plus nine assists and six rebounds. Jamison Kay also contributed 19 points, with six assists and eight rebounds, adding two blocks and three steals. Mason Courtney added eight points, including two 3-pointers, along with four assists and five rebounds.
The Mustangs finish with a 22-8 record overall and 15-5 in Lone Star play, while the Hilltoppers stand at 25-8 overall and 13-7 in the conference.
***
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).
