CANYON, Texas – A game-high 22 points from Larry Wise powered the West Texas A&M men's basketball team to its 15^th straight win on Saturday afternoon as the Buffs defeated the Patriots of UT Tyler, 68-52. With the win, WT remains perfect in Lone Star Conference play at 12-0 while improving its overall record to 18-1.
 
The Leaders
Wise led the Buffs in scoring with 22 points to go along with five rebounds and two assists followed by Kieran Elliott's 11 points and two steals. Ahamed Mohammed brought in a team-high six rebounds while Ryland Holt blocked four shots in the win.
 
How It Happened
The Patriots came off the opening tip and surprised the Buffs, taking an early lead. WT trailed UT Tyler until a Holt started a run followed by a Mohammed layup to tie the game. Five straight points by Elliott built the lead as Toussaint floater capped the 10-0 run. The Buffs and Patriots went back-and-forth throughout the remainder of the first half with UT Tyler keeping the game within reach. With 2:23 remaining in the period, WT started a 7-0 run to close the first half with a 10-point advantage.
 
The second half saw the Buffs score first before the Patriots brought the lead back down to single digits. After WT put the lead back to 13, UT Tyler went to work to cut into the lead. The Patriots' efforts couldn't get past a stiff Buff defense as any scoring opportunity ended up matched by the WT offense. As the game came down the stretch, an 11-2 run by the Buffs pushed the lead out of reach from the Patriots.
 
Inside the Box Score

• WT leads the all-time series, 4-0, 2-0 in Canyon.
• Head coach Tom Brown moves to 4-0 against the Patriots.
• WT shot 40.0% (18-of-45) from the field, 33.3% (6-of-18) from deep, 89.7% from the charity stripe with 26 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, five blocks, and five turnovers.
• UTT shot 35.8% (19-of-53) from the floor, 40.0% (6-of-15) from the 3-point range, 88.9% at the free throw line with 34 rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and 14 turnovers.

 
Up Next
WT continues its homestand as the Buffs host Cameron on Thursday, Feb. 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside the First United Bank Center.
 
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