CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M Buffaloes closed out the regular season on a high note on Saturday afternoon as they picked up a 76-65 Lone Star Conference victory over the Falcons of UT Permian Basin on Senior Day at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.
 
West Texas A&M started the first half effectively with Fontaine Williams securing an early steal, leading to James Parlow Jr.'s jumper to open the scoring. The team demonstrated strong interior play, scoring 16 points in the paint compared to UT Permian Basin's 10. Notably, the Buffs capitalized on fast breaks, adding nine points from turnovers.
 
As the half progressed, the Buffs maintained resilience, responding to UT Permian Basin's scoring attempts with crucial defensive stops, including five blocks. The final moments saw Parlow Jr. scoring a jumper with one second remaining, extending the lead. The half concluded with the Buffs holding a 37-33 advantage.
 
WT began the second half with a strong defensive stance, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks to maintain a narrow lead. A key moment was Zach Brown hitting a 3-pointer at 15:15, extending the advantage. As the half continued, Brendan Ballard and Brock Mishak contributed crucial points in the paint, helping to keep the momentum in favor of the home team.
 
Throughout the half, the Buffs maintained control on the boards, securing a total of 26 rebounds, which contributed to second-chance points. Williams added to the lead with a timely 3-pointer, as the Buffs extended their lead. The half concluded with West Texas A&M outscoring UT Permian Basin 39-32, finishing the game with a 76-65 overall lead.
 
Fontaine Williams led the scoring for the Buffs with 21 points, including two 3-pointers and five successful free throws. Mishak added 17 points, converting six of 14 field goal attempts and contributing two assists. Ballard was efficient from the field, hitting all six of his shots and collecting 15 rebounds. Jailyn Sledge contributed defensively with two blocks and two steals, while also providing six points and three assists.
 
The Buffs are the seventh seed in next weekend's Lone Star Conference Championships as they take on the two-seed Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico with tipoff set for 2:30 p.m. on Thursday in the quarterfinal round at the Comerica Center in Frisco.