CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M men's basketball team rebounded well after its first conference loss of the season, defeating the UT Permian Basin Falcons, 87-67. The Buffs improved their overall record to 9-5 and 7-1 in the Lone Star Conference while the Falcons drop to 8-9 overall, 2-6 in LSC action.
 
The Leaders
Ahmed Mohammed hauled in a career-high seven rebounds as the freshman led the Buffs offense with 13 points shooting 4-of-6 from the floor, 2-of-3 from the 3-point range and 3-of-4 at the charity stripe. Four other players reach double figures as Damion Thornton and Zach Toussaint scored 11 each while Julius Brown and Addison Wallace chipped in 10 a piece.
 
How It Happened
The Buffs came out with a hot hand, shooting over 50 percent through most of the first half. While WT's offense was building a lead, the defense continued to force turnovers and contested shots for UTPB. WT had its lead trimmed slightly as the Falcons went on an 8-2 run, but the defense remained strong as the Buffs held a 51-29 lead into the break.
 
The Buffs and Falcons started the second half with less tempo than the first half ended on. Over the course of the second half, WT resumed the defensive pressure, causing numerous UTPB turnovers. Anytime the Falcons looked to have found an opening to go on a streak, the Buffs stopped the momentum in its tracks.
 
The Falcons strung a few free throws and a layup in the closing minutes of the game, but the WT lead was too much as the Buffs went on to win by 20.  
 
Inside the Box Score

• WT leads the all-time series 18-2, 5-2 in Odessa
• Head coach Tom Brown moves to 13-2 against the Falcons
• WT shot 50.0% (31-of-62) from the field, 32.1 % (9-of-28) from deep, 76.2% from the charity stripe with 38 rebounds, 13 assists, 10 steals, two blocks, and 12 turnovers.
• UTPB shot 40.4% (19-of-47) from the floor, 33.3% (2-of-6) from the 3-point range, 77.1% (27-of-35) at the free throw line with 30 rebounds, nine assists, five steals, and 20 turnovers

 
Up Next
WT returns home where the Buffs will host the Mustangs of Western New Mexico (9-5, 3-5 LSC) on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
 
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