FRISCO, TX — The WNMU Mustangs (22-7, 15-5 Lone Star) faced a tough defeat against St. Mary's University (TX) (21-8, 13-7 Lone Star) with a final score of 80-94 on Thursday night at Comerica Center. Despite racking up 36 points in the paint, the Mustangs couldn't match the Rattlers' shooting prowess, highlighted by eight three-pointers. This game marked the Mustangs' debut in the Lone Star Conference tournament, a noteworthy achievement for their season.

The Mustangs kicked off the first half with Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) driving in for a layup to set the tempo. Harris remained a steady contributor, including a crucial tip-in at 2:18, but Western NM struggled to keep pace with St. Mary's, who seized critical scoring chances. The Rattlers' effective offensive strategy gave them a 43-29 lead by halftime.

Western New Mexico came out strong in the second half with Tanner Poeschl (Fountain Hills, AZ/Skyline High School) sinking back-to-back 3-pointers, quickly closing the gap. Despite the Mustangs' persistence in the paint, including Quincy Adams' (Frisco, TX/Hamilton High School) tip-in at 13:01, St. Mary's held firm with sharp shooting and capitalized on turnovers. Poeschl's tenacity on the offensive boards was notable, but the Rattlers responded with solid free-throw shooting and fast-break points. St. Mary's ultimately outpaced the Mustangs, sealing the game at 94-80.

Harris led the charge for Western NM with 20 points, making 7 of 14 field goals and 6 of 7 free throws. He also posted a double-double with 12 rebounds and added four assists. Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) contributed 12 points and six assists, while Trenton Gordon (Aurora, IL/Duluth High School) chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds. Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) rounded out the scoring with 13 points, hitting 5 of 6 free throws and adding three assists.

For the Rattlers, Lawyer Jones topped the scoreboard with 20 points, hitting 8 of 12 field goals, including two from beyond the arc. Damani Claxton added 19 points, leading the team with three steals and four assists. Eddie McPhee was a force defensively with three blocks and six rebounds. Wayne Wiggins was near perfect from the charity stripe, making 11 of 12 free throws to finish with 17 points. Justin Britt contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and matched Claxton with three steals.

The Mustangs now stand at 22-7 overall and 15-5 in Lone Star play, while the Rattlers are 21-8 overall with a 13-7 record in the Lone Star Conference.

 

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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).