Jan. 22, 2007

Box Score

CANYON, Texas - Aided by its highest shooting percentage contest of the season, the West Texas A&M men's basketball team handily defeated the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys, 92-63, Monday night at the First United Bank Center. The game was a make-up affair after the meetings original date, Dec. 30, was postponed due to inclement weather and unsafe driving conditions.

With the victory, WTAMU improves its overall mark this season to 9-7, while the Cowboys see their overall record this season fall to 2-15.

Senior forward Damien Lolar and junior forward Tyler Cooper led four Buff players in double figures during the contest with 15 points apiece, while senior guard Kevin "Chip" Green added 13 and junior guard Pierre Barlow contributed 12.

The Buffs came out of the gate firing on all cylinders during the first half propelling them into intermission with a solid 44-27 lead. In the first stanza, WTAMU shot a blazing 68.2 percent from the field, connecting on 15of-22 shots in the half, including 6-of-9 attempts from beyond the three point arc. Cooper was impressive during the game's first 20 minutes, connecting 5-of-6 shots in the half to lead all scorers at the break with 14 points.

The rims were not as friendly to the visitors from Las Vegas, N.M., during the opening period, seeing only nine of the team's 16 shot attempts fall.

WTAMU remained hot from the floor during the second half, converting 16-of-23 shots for a 69.6 percentage. During the final 20 minutes of the contest, Barlow was impressive adding 10 of his 12 points and contributing four rebounds.

The West Texas A&M men's basketball team is back in action on Wednesday as they host Lone Star Conference South rival Tarleton State in an 8 p.m. contest at the First United Bank Center.