Silver City, N.M.- Even though Willie McCray came away with 22 points for Western New Mexico University men’s basketball team last Friday night, it would not be enough to stop University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS) as they earned themselves the win 95-73.
With McCray’s performance, shooting 7-12 from the field and snagging 4 steals, it would not slow down UCCS as they were able to outscore WNMU in bench points (25-9) and points in the paint (46-22).
Beginng the first half, Mustangs came out hot by taking an early lead, 9-3, after a Steven Loucks three.
This lead would soon diminish as the Mountain Lions went on their own hot streak, going on a 11-0 run that made the score 16-11. Mustangs finally came through with a score when Adam Kelser drilled a shot from downtown to bring them within two, 16-14.
With WNMU down four and 6:31 left in the half, Jordan Enriquez cut the lead to one, 25-24, after converting on a three pointer.
This would be as close as the Mustangs would get as the Mountain Lions closed the half with the lead, 41-32.
Starting off the second half, Aby Carter came through with the first points of the half for the Mustangs by knocking in a three which put them within six, 41-35.
But a few possession later, UCCS converted with their own three and stretch their lead to twelve, 53-41.
McCray for the Mustangs kept the game close when he made a three pointer to put them within single digits, 57-51.
Again McCray would keep things interesting when converting on both of his free throws with 11:42 left to play making the score 67-58.
Unfortunately, this was as close as WNMU could get as UCCS came away with the victory, 95-73.
The Mustangs shot 9-22 (40) in three point shooting and 23-64 (35) in field goals, while the Mountain Lions hit 9-26 (34) in three pointers and 36-60 (60) in field goals.
Other than McCray, three Mustangs were able to score in double digits; Kesler (13), Loucks (11), and Emery Range (14).
The Western New Mexico University men’s basketball team (1-19, 1-14 RMAC) will be hosting games this Friday and Saturday as the face Colorado Mesa University and Westminster College.
