Stafford, TX – January 11, 2025
In a spirited contest that brought the crowd at Sabercatch Arena to life, the NAU Stallions fought valiantly but fell just short against the University of the Southwest Mustangs, 80-76. Despite the outcome, the Stallions left no doubt about their determination, delivering a performance full of passion, resilience, and hope for brighter days ahead.

First Half Firepower
The Stallions came out with a sense of urgency, using a balanced attack to build a slim 39-37 lead at the break. Damione Thomas and Sean Fry led the charge, with Thomas hitting clutch three-pointers and Fry providing steady scoring and playmaking off the bench. On the defensive end, the Stallions forced turnovers and limited the Mustangs' second-chance opportunities.

Second Half Showdown
The second half became a battle of free throws and timely execution. Southwest's Antony Scott was nearly automatic from the charity stripe, hitting 17 of his 18 attempts en route to a game-high 31 points. The Stallions fought back with contributions from Erric Wynn, who paired his 17 points with strong defensive play, and Oakley Lewis, who attacked the rim relentlessly, going 9-for-10 from the line. Despite their efforts, NAU couldn't overcome the Mustangs' precision at critical moments.

Key Performers

• Southwest's Antony Scott: 31 points (17-of-18 FT), 4 assists, and 4 steals. His consistency from the line was the difference-maker.
• Damione Thomas (NAU): 17 points (6-of-9 FG, 3-of-4 3PT), 6 rebounds. A sharpshooting performance kept NAU in contention.
• Sean Fry (NAU): 14 points, 6-of-8 FG, 5 assists. His energy off the bench was electric.
• Erric Wynn (NAU): 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals. A two-way force for the Stallions.

By the Numbers

• Shooting: Both teams were neck-and-neck in field goal percentage—NAU shot 45.3%, just edging out Southwest's 45.1%.
• Free Throws: The Mustangs capitalized on their opportunities, going 25-of-32 (78.1%). NAU wasn't far behind, shooting 23-of-29 (79.3%).
• Rebounds: Southwest grabbed 33 boards (10 offensive), while NAU tallied 30 rebounds (9 offensive). James Evans led the Mustangs with 7 rebounds, while Caleb Malik and Damione Thomas paced the Stallions.
• Turnovers: NAU's 16 turnovers proved costly, allowing Southwest to capitalize in key moments.

Looking Ahead

The Stallions (3-11) hit the road to face Xavier University of Louisiana on January 14 at 7:30 PM CST. With heart and hustle in their DNA, this group is poised to turn the tide and showcase their mettle against the Gold Rush.

Final Thoughts

The Stallions may have fallen short, but their grit and determination were undeniable. As we look to the next challenge, let's continue to ride for this team that represents the best of NAU spirit. Keep believing, Stallion Nation—the best is yet to come!