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HOBBS, N.M. – The University of the Southwest men's basketball team battled hard, but couldn't overcome a slow start, falling 80-60 to UNT-Dallas on Saturday afternoon at the Jack & Mabel Maddox Student Life Center. The Mustangs now sit at 3-9 overall and 2-6 in conference play, while UNT Dallas improves to 4-10 overall and 1-7 in Red River Athletic Conference play.

Southwest struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 29.7% from the field and trailing 45-28 at the break. Despite the deficit, the Mustangs showed resilience in the second half, improving their shooting to 35.5% and outscoring the Trailblazers in points off turnovers (18-5) and second-chance points (18-5).

EJay Scroggins led the way for Southwest with a game-high 20 points and 9 rebounds, attacking the paint and earning trips to the line. Jalen Williams added 9 points and 5 assists, while Kevin Boone chipped in 8 points and 5 boards. The Mustangs dominated hustle stats, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 18 points, but couldn't match UNT Dallas' efficiency, as the visitors shot 50% from the floor and controlled the glass with a 45-31 rebounding edge.

Southwest's bench provided a spark late, with Steven Masini scoring 6 points and Vernon Onick III knocking down a three-pointer in the closing minutes. The Mustangs cut the lead to 15 midway through the second half, but the University of North Texas at Dallas responded with timely buckets to seal the win.

Southwest will look to bounce back in its next matchup as conference play continues.

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