THE RUNDOWN
No 12. DBUÂ rallied from an early deficit to secure a hard-fought 84-71 victory over Western New Mexico University in an intense matchup that saw plenty of back-and-forth action. Despite trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half, the Patriots showed remarkable resilience and determination, rallying in the second half to seize control of the game. With standout performances from players like Ricky Lujan, Cameron Kahn, and AJ Borden, DBU overcame a slow start to outpace the Mustangs, who had built a significant lead in the opening period. The Patriots' second-half surge and strong defense ultimately led to a well-earned victory, highlighting their ability to stay composed and execute when it mattered most.
In the first half of tonight's matchup between Dallas Baptist University (DBU) and Western New Mexico University (WNMU), the Patriots showed resilience despite facing early challenges. The Mustangs struck first with a driving layup, but DBU quickly responded with a smooth jumper from Cameron Kahn to take the lead. After a defensive battle that saw both teams struggling to shoot over 30% from the field, the score was tied 4-4 at the first media timeout with 15:53 on the clock. DBU then found their rhythm, going on a 6-0 run to take a 10-4 advantage. Despite some back-and-forth action, highlighted by Isaac Bullard's clutch layup off an assist from Kahn, WNMU was able to claw their way back and take the lead at the 11:24 mark with a three-pointer, following a missed free throw by Xavion Brown.Â
The Mustangs then gained momentum, stretching their lead to double digits after a dunk by Matthew Okoye made it 16-26. However, DBU responded with a key three-pointer from Jaden Shelvin to cut the deficit to five. Unfortunately, WNMU capitalized on some shot struggles by the Patriots, going on an 11-2 run to extend their lead to 37-23, prompting a timeout from DBU. The Patriots fought to close the gap in the final minutes, with contributions from AJ Borden, Jackson McCabe, Ricky Lujan, and Shelvin, but WNMU ultimately entered the break with a 43-35 lead.Â
The second half of the matchup saw the Patriots come out strong, opening with a 9-2 run that quickly brought them within one point of the Mustangs in the first three minutes. Despite a pull-up jumper from WNMU that helped keep DBU at bay, the Patriots continued to chip away, staying within striking distance. The breakthrough came when Lujan knocked down a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, and Brown followed with a driving layup to give DBU their first lead since the opening moments of the first half. The Mustangs responded with an alley-oop, but DBU was ready, quickly regaining the lead with a jumper to make it 58-56 with 13:11 left.Â
From there, the momentum swung in favor of the Patriots, as they went on a dominant 12-point run to stretch their lead to 74-61 with 7:24 remaining. WNMU made a push late, cutting the DBU advantage to eight points, but the Patriots offense held firm, with timely baskets and solid defense securing the win. DBU finished strong, pulling away with an impressive 84-71 victory, showcasing their resilience and ability to control the game when it mattered most.
FOUR THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Jaden Shelvin (71.4%) and Cameron Kahn (70%) led the group with a shooting percentage over 70%.Â
- Ricky Lujan moved into third all-time in program history in assists with 367 after tonight's performance.Â
- Xavion Brown registered an impressive performance tonight with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and one block.Â
- DBU leads the all-time head-to-head series against WNMU 8-0.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
4- Four Patriots finished in double figures, including
Ricky Lujan (22),
Cameron Kahn (15),
Jaden Shelvin (12) and
AJ Borden (10).Â
21- The Patriots forced 21 turnovers from the Mustangs.
56- DBU scored 56 points in the paint compared to WNMU's 26.
60.6-The Patriots shot 60.6% from the field in the second half of tonight's game.
DBU HEAD COACH BLAKE FLICKNER POST-GAME COMMENTS
"We saw a really good second half tonight as the guys kept battling and competing. I have to give WMNU the credit as they came out ready to play and pushed us. Road wins are always hard in the Lone Star Conference and we will enjoy this win before we turn our focus to the next one. AJ in particular gave us a spark today as he asserted himself and came out aggressively. Overall, it was a great team effort as we stuck with the game plan until we were able to break through."
UP NEXT
DBU travels to Alpine, Texas, for a duel with LSC newcomer Sul Ross State. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, at 3:00 p.m.
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