CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M Buffaloes finished off the opening weekend of the 2025-26 campaign with a 76-70 victory over the Pittsburg State Gorillas at the D2CCA Tipoff Classic in St. Joseph, Missouri.
 
The game between the Buffs and Pittsburg State opened with the Buffs making an early move, highlighted by Jailyn Sledge's three-pointer at 17:15, putting them on the scoreboard first. The teams exchanged leads multiple times, but the Buffs' shooting from beyond the arc, including a key three-pointer by Kemper Jones at 2:25, helped them regain control. As the half concluded, Brock Mishak added a jumper in the final second, extending the Buffs' lead. The first half ended with the Buffs ahead, 35-27.
 
The Buffs surged in the second half with a commanding performance at the free-throw line, converting 21 of 26 attempts, which helped maintain their edge against Pittsburg State. Despite a tightly contested half, marked by multiple ties, the Buffs capitalized on turnovers, forcing 15 from Pittsburg State and scoring 23 points off those opportunities. Brendan Ballard was instrumental, securing pivotal rebounds and scoring key points, which contributed to the Buffs' steady lead. The half concluded with the Buffs slightly behind in scoring for the frame, yet they carried a strong overall advantage to close the game with a 76-70 victory.
 
Brock Mishak recorded 13 points, six rebounds, and led the team with seven free throws and five assists. Fontaine Williams scored 16 points, highlighted by nine free throws, and contributed defensively with four steals. Jailyn added 12 points, making three of five from beyond the arc, and blocked three shots. Camden Cowgill finished with 14 points, converting five field goals, including two from three-point range.
 
The Buffs return to the court on Friday, November 14^th as they host Chadron State on Community Game with tipoff set for 11:00 a.m.