CANYON, Texas – A red-hot start from the West Texas A&M men's basketball team set up a 68-54 victory over the Falcons of UT Permian Basin on Thursday night in Canyon. The Buffs, who led wire-to-wire, improve to 9-7 in Lone Star Conference play and 14-8 overall on the season.
 
The Leaders
Three Buffs reached double-digit scoring on Thursday night led by a career and game-high 26 from Narit Chotikavanic. Mackenzie Morgan (13) and Noah Pagotto (12) also ended their night in double figures. Jailyn Sledge recorded a team-high six rebounds and two blocks while Chotikavanic dished out three assists.
 
How It Happened
WT started hot from the field, starting the game on a 12-0 before a three from the Falcons snapped the run. The Buffs answered the UTPB bucket with another 12-0 run, taking a 24-7 lead into the under-12 media timeout. The Falcons would eventually cut into the lead, but WT extended its lead as UTPB would go cold from the floor. With under a minute to play in the half, a Nicholas Jett free throw pushed the lead to 15. As the clock went under five seconds, a pull-up three by DJ Armstrong sent the game to halftime with a 35-23 score.
 
After the break, the Falcons fought to get the Buffs' lead down to single digits, but WT answered right back. Ahead of the under-12 media timeout, Bob Griechen drew a foul, bringing the Buffs' lead up to 49-32. Back-to-back threes from UTPB brought the game back within 10 where four WT free throws pushed the lead back to 14. Although the Falcons looked to make a late comeback, the Buffs closed out the game for a 68-54 victory.
 
The Buffs turn around to host Angelo State on Saturday for 806 Day. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the First United Bank Center.
 
Inside the Box Score

• The Buffs lead the all-time series with UT Permian Basin, 22-3.
• Head coach Tom Brown moves to 17-3 against the Falcons.
• WT shot 47.1% (24-of-51) from the field, 35.7% (5-of-14) from deep, 68.2% (15-of-22) from the charity stripe with 32 rebounds, seven assists, six steals, four blocks, and 10 turnovers.
• UT Permian Basin shot 36.4% (20-of-55) from the floor, 38.9% (7-of-18) from the 3-point range, 70.0% (7-of-10) at the free throw line with 34 rebounds, 10 assists, seven steals, two blocks, and 17 turnovers.

 
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