CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M men's basketball team remained perfect at the First United Bank Center with an 85-67 victory over the Rattlers of St. Mary's. The win improved the Buffs' record to 19-6 overall and 17-2 in Lone Star Conference play.
 
The Leaders
Five Buffs reached double figures led by Larry Wise's 21 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists. Julius Brown (17), Addison Wallace (10), Zach Toussaint (10), and Ryland Holt (10) each reached double figures in the win. Julius Brown and Damion Thornton hauled in seven rebounds each while Brown dished out a game-high six assists.
 
How It Happened
The Buffs and Rattlers struggled to find points in the opening minutes of the game as St. Mary's held the game close with its three-point shooting. Over the next minutes, the Rattlers pulled ahead and took a one-point lead into the under-12 minutes media timeout. The Buffs answered the St. Mary's lead with a prolonged 10-3 run. The Rattlers switched to a zone defense, slowing down the WT offense for the time being. Before the end of the half, a St. Mary's turnover turned into free throws for Toussaint with less than a second on the clock. The junior sank both and gave the Buffs a 43-36 lead at the break.
 
After halftime, WT extended the lead to double digits with 16:37 remaining in the second half. Although the Rattlers brought the game within eight, the Buffs continued to hit shots and force St. Mary's mistakes. The lead reached 20 points at the 7:28 mark on Thornton's dunk. When St. Mary's brought the lead under 20 points, WT pushed the lead back and held the Rattlers' offense quiet. The Buffs' lead reached a game-high 21 points with 1:36 to play before WT coasted to the victory in the closing seconds.
 
Inside the Box Score

• WT leads the all-time series 19-2, 9-0 in Canyon.
• Head coach Tom Brown moves to 2-1 against the Rattlers.
• WT shot 45.37% (29-of-64) from the field, 40.0% (10-of-25) from deep, 73.9% (17-of-29) from the charity stripe with 34 rebounds, 12 assists, nine steals, four blocks, and five turnovers.
• StMU shot 43.9% (25-of-57) from the floor, 52.9% (9-of-17) from 3-point range, 66.7% (8-of-12) at the free throw line with 41 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, four blocks, and 16 turnovers.

 
Up Next
WT hosts St. Edward's on Saturday where the Buff and Lady Buff basketball programs will celebrate senior day. Action between the Buffs and Hilltoppers starts at 3 p.m.
 
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