HOBBS, NM---The USW Men's Basketball program hosted #3 Wayland Baptist on Tuesday night in the 2019 home opener. The atmosphere and fan support was something we haven't seen here at USW in some time and Head Coach Cory Hitchcock is excited for the future of the program and the fan support. "The crowd was awesome tonight. They were loud and engaged. It's nice for these young men to play in front of fans that care. The fans seemed to enjoy how hard we fought on defense tonight. Hopefully we can put USW back on the map." said Hitchcock following the game. 

The Mustangs held tough with the Pioneers for the entire game, but came up just short as they fell 64-56. 

"I'm proud of the way we played defensively." said Head Coach Cory Hitchcock. "We held (JJ) Culver in check besides the fact he went to the free throw line 19 times. He definitely had to earn everything. Offensively we couldn't get anything to fall. I think their size had us rattled to start off, causing us to settle for jumpers. Going into the half 26-25 showed the guys we can compete with anyone." said Hitchcock of his team's tenacity on Tuesday night to hang with the #3 team in the country. 

The aforementioned JJ Culver was 2nd in the country in scoring early on, averaging 37 points per game. The Mustangs held him under his average of 37, by holding him to 30 points in the game. The Mustangs kept constant pressure on Culver, not allowing him to take easy shots anywhere on the court. Wayland was averaging 93 points per game in the first two games of the season, and were held to only 25 at the half. 

The 2nd half was when the Pioneers got their lead and kept the pressure on, outscoring the Mustangs 39-30 in the 2nd half. "I think them pressing us had some of us lost out there on the court. They were forcing mistakes which caused steals and turnovers. It's something that our guys will learn from and I'm glad that we get another opportunity to play them at their place. It is great to play one of the best teams in the country." said Hitchcock of the 2nd half pressure the Pioneers applied. 

The Mustangs offensively were led by junior Emmanuel McNeil and senior Joshua Harris. McNeil finished with a double-double, scoring 18 points with 15 rebounds. Joshua Harris scored 14 points with 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. "They are both great offensive and defensive assets for us. New York (McNeil) had another double-double. He cleaned up the boards tonight with 15 rebounds. Harris is a quiet assassin, he does all the little work and is a solid all-around player. It is a treat to coach these guys." said Hitchcock on his two leading scorers on Tuesday night. 

USW is back at home on Thursday evening as they host the Northern New Mexico Eagles at 6:00 PM at "The Dox". The Mustangs defeated the eagles in the season opener 83-74 on October 24th.