CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M Buffaloes fell to the #24 DBU Patriots on Saturday afternoon during Lone Star Conference action at the First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas.
 
The first half began with both teams exchanging early baskets, setting a competitive tone. The Buffs, led by Fontaine Williams, kept the game close with effective shooting inside the paint, matching DBU's points in the paint with 16 each. Williams' three-pointer at 16:01 helped maintain momentum, and Brock Mishak's contributions included a fastbreak layup, keeping the score tight.
 
Despite a consistent effort, the home team faced a challenge as DBU managed to edge forward, capitalizing on turnovers and converting crucial three-pointers. The Buffs concluded the half trailing, with the scoreboard reading 47-38 in favor of the visitors.
 
The second half began with the Buffs making significant strides to cut the deficit, sparked by Williams' three-pointer at 17:41. Momentum shifted as the team capitalized on defensive rebounds and fast break opportunities, highlighted by Camden Cowgill's three-pointer at 8:33, tying the game at 68.
 
Despite DBU responding with their own scoring, the Buffs maintained pressure through defensive stops and timely scoring. With under a minute remaining, James Parlow Jr. converted crucial free throws to narrow the gap to two points. In the final seconds, Williams' layup brought the score within one, but DBU sealed the game at the free throw line, ending the half with an 86-84 advantage for the visitors.
 
Mishak scored 15 points, contributing six field goals and adding four assists while collecting seven rebounds. Williams tallied 19 points, converting three of four from beyond the arc and recording two steals. Parlow Jr. added 13 points, hitting 6 of 7 free throws and grabbing four rebounds. Jailyn Sledge posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, including six on the offensive end.
 
WT returns to the court on Thursday night as they continue Lone Star Conference action in Lawton, Oklahoma against the Cameron Aggies with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. at Aggie Gym.