The University of the Southwest Men's Basketball Team took on Wayland Baptist University Saturday afternoon in what was their home opener. After a road-heavy schedule to begin the year, the Mustangs entered the contest (3-5) to take on the Pioneers who entered (6-4). This was the second matchup of the season for the two teams with the Pioneers taking the first matchup back on November 8^th 71-64. 
 
The game went back and forth in the first half with neither team being able to find much separation. The largest lead by either team was 6 points in the first half. The two teams came out in the second half exchanging buckets with the score sitting at USW 50 Wayland 48 midway through the second half but the Mustangs would close the game on a 20-12 run to come away with the 70-60 victory. The Mustang's defense was key in the victory holding the Pioneers to 34.8% shooting from the field and 4 of 20 from three-point range. They were also able to force 13 turnovers, had 7 steals, and had 9 blocks. 
 
The Mustangs were led by impressive performances from a pair of Seniors. Alvin Thompson led the Mustangs in scoring with 21 points on 6 of 13 shooting and 8 of 10 from the free-throw line. Jeremiah Toney was making plays all over the place for the Mustangs. The athletic wing had 18 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 blocks in the contest. 
 
The Mustangs will be back in action at home this Friday against Northern New Mexico College at 5:00 PM MST. The Mustangs will enter the contest (4-5) against a Northern New Mexico team that currently sits at (4-2). This will be the final non-conference game of the year for the Mustangs as they try and hit their stride for conference play.