Lancers 77 Mustangs 72

Barbeau going strong to the basket in last night's action

Report by Andrew Simpson - Mustangs Athletics

WINDSOR, Ont. - The Western Mustangs men's basketball team battled with the first place Windsor Lancers on Wednesday night coming up just short losing 77-72 in Windsor.

Ryan Barbeau led the short-handed Mustangs with 23 points, adding nine rebounds and two steals. Andy Wedemire had 17 points and five rebounds.

With the loss the Mustangs fall to 6-7 on the season, while the Lancers improve to 11-2

The Mustangs started out quickly forcing the tempo on the Lancers and leading 21-13 after the first quarter. Windsor stepped up the defensive pressure holding the Mustangs to just 10 second quarter points and the Mustangs advantage was only 31-30 at the half.

Each team battled throughout the third quarter with the Lancers holding a slim four point lead after three quarters at 55-51. With each team trading baskets in the fourth quarter the Lancers could not pull away until the final minute, making it a two possession game as foul shots made it a 77-72 final.

The Mustangs will be back in action on the road against Laurier on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. They will complete their home and away as they face Laurier on Wed. Jan. 26 at Alumni Hall at 8 p.m.