ODESSA, Texas (February 7, 2026) – The University of Texas Permian Basin men's basketball team fell 99-90 at home vs. Western New Mexico University on Saturday after allowing the Mustangs to shoot 67.3 percent from the field and sink 12 3-pointers.

Despite both teams scoring 50 points in the second half, UTPB (9-13 overall, 5-9 Lone Star Conference) could do nothing to slow down an offense for WNMU (17-5, 11-4) that shot 17-for-24 (70.83 percent) from the field and 6-for-7 (85.71 percent) from three in the first half and 20-for-31 (64.52 percent) from the field and 6-for-12 (50 percent) from three in the second half.

WNMU started the second half 7-for-7 from the field and 3-for-3 from three to extend a nine-point halftime lead (49-40) to a 23-point margin (67-44) four minutes and 20 seconds into the period.

In all, the Mustangs started the second half on a 25-8 run to go up by 26 points (74-28) with 13 minutes remaining. WNMU was 10-for-11 from the field and 5-for-6 from three to that point in the half.

UTPB made 14 free throws in both halves and finished at 80 percent (28-35) from the line for the game, but it simply would not be enough to make up for allowing the Mustangs to shoot the highest field goal percentage ever allowed by the Falcons in their NCAA Division II era. In addition, 63.2 percent was the highest 3-point field goal percentage given up by UTPB since the 2022-23 season opener vs. Adams State University.

Sharrod Taylor continued his strong offensive scoring pace with 29 points on 10-for-19 shooting from the field and 5-for-9 shooting from three while also adding four assists and four steals. Tash Lunday provided 16 points and eight rebounds. Bryceson Burns had 14 points, eight rebounds and played tough defense with three steals. Rashad Kee was sharp, hitting 5-of-8 shots for 12 points and grabbing six boards.

Despite the offensive firepower by WNMU, UTPB won the rebounding battle for the second game in a row and led 40-23 overall on the boards and 19-2 on the offensive glass, leading to a 20-4 advantage in second chance points.

It was the end of a four-game winning streak for UTPB vs. WNMU, which is currently receiving votes in the NABC Division II Coaches Poll for the first time in the Division II era. In addition to their offensive abilities showcased on Saturday, the Mustangs have been elite defensively this season, sitting second the LSC in opponent field goal percentage (41.0 percent) and first in opponent three-point percentage (29.0 percent), while also sitting atop the conference in blocks (100 total, 4.55 per game).

Next up, UTPB will head to St. Mary's University. The Falcons and the Rattlers will battle starting at 7:30 p.m. from on Thursday, February 12, from Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio, Texas.