Balanced Attack Leads Men's Basketball to Win in Home Opener

SAN ANTONIO — A balanced team attack helped lift the St. Mary's University Men's Basketball team to its second win in a row as they defeated Western New Mexico 67-50 in the first home game of the season on Thursday evening.
 
The Rattlers (4-2, 2-1) had eight different players score five or more points in the game, led by junior Damani Claxton (Bronx, N.Y.) with 11. Senior forward Lachlan Bofinger (Sydney, Australia) posted his third double-double of the year with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. He also led the team with five assists. Junior Eddie McPhee (Denver) also scored 10 points and brought down seven boards.
 
Guards Wayne Wiggins (Mansfield, Texas) and Claxton also collected three steals each as the team recorded 10, doubling up the Mustangs (1-6, 1-1)
 
StMU limited the Mustangs to five offensive rebounds and two second-chance points, forcing WNMU into 21 turnovers.
 
Nathan Jones led the game with 13 points for WNMU, while Isaiah Marin chipped in 10 and Carson Kelly tied for game-high honors with five assists.
 
The Rattlers snapped the alternating streak they'd had the first five games of the year, winning two straight for the first time. StMU is now 64-28 in home openers, winning its fourth straight.
 
The Rattlers remain at home, hosting Sul Ross State on Saturday at 3 p.m. The Lobos dropped an 88-67 decision at St. Edward's on Thursday evening.