The Mustang

Issue date: 2/24/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: DeAnna Smith Mike Sells, heads for the basket, as he tries to avoid an apponent from rival Hawaii-Hilo. The Mustangs lost against that school 72-92.

The Western New Mexico Men's Basketball Team has faced its fair share of triumphs and trials this 2004-2005 season. Over half of the team has been injured this season and most are still not in operative condition. Though through all of this the Mustangs have been able to pull together as a team and win six games. Just recently, the Men's Basketball Team faced some of their toughest competitors in the Mustang Fieldhouse.

On Feb. 8, 2005, WNMU faced the Chaminade Silver Swords for a Conference match. They fell to the Silver Swords 77-92 in the Fieldhouse. The Mustangs could just not play to their full potential. Chaminade was in control the entire game from all aspects of the field; they shot a remarkable 51 percent from the floor while the Mustangs only shot 34 percent. The Mustangs managed 16 points from the field, but shot 8-16 from the three, shooting an impressive 40 percent from the arc the second half. Junior Matt Enriquez led the Mustangs with 24 points; he was also honored for breaking 1000 points in his basketball career at WNMU. Freshmen Trey Clarkson added 16 points while James Newell contributed 14.

It was now time to face their Hawaiian competitors. They battled the Hawaii Hilo Vulcans on Feb. 10, on their home court. The Mustangs were defeated 70-83. The Vulcans dominated from the fields and on the boards. They shot better than 50 percent from the field they also shot an incredible 6-12 from the three point line. Western on the other hand shot only 36 percent for the night. Hilo out rebounded the Mustangs 43-28. Mike Sells paved the way for the Mustangs with 21 points. Other contributors included Kris Taylor with 17, Trey Clarkson with 14 and James Newell with 10.

The Mustangs again challenged Hawaii Hilo in the Fieldhouse on Feb. 12, and the Vulcans again played solid and defeated the Mustangs 72-92. This game looked much like the previous game against Hawaii Hilo. They out rebounded the Mustangs 45-32. Hilo also shot 12-of-17 from the free throw line whereas they only shot 4-of-6 from the line. Mike Sells led the way for the Mustangs yet again with 22 points, and Matt Enriquez had 17.

It was now the Mustangs turn to travel to Hawaii to face the BYU Hawaii Seasiders. The Seasiders led the Mustangs the entire game. At half-time a 20 point advantage grew during the second half. The Seasiders hit an astonishing 6 of 12 three-pointers in the second half. BYU shot 53.6 percent from the field while Western shot 35.5 percent. Matt Enriquez again topped the scoring chart with 21 points and Trey Clarkson contributed 13. WNMU will be hosting their final games against Grand Canyon University Feb 23, at 7p.m. and Mar. 3, 2005 against the Montana State Billings.

Go out and support your Western New Mexico University Men's Basketball Team.

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