Mesa State (5-2, 1-2) defeated Western New Mexico (1-6, 1-2) 79-52 Saturday night notching their first league victory.

Lance Fite finished with a game high 24 points in 21 minutes of action. Fite tallied 16-second half points hitting 8-of-10 from the field.

Colton Burgon recorded 15 points a game high seven rebounds. Burgon was 7-of-8 from the floor and finished with two assists and two blocks.

Kalonji Paschal handed out a game high six assists to go along with his eight points and six boards.

MSC closed out the first half with a 14-0 run in the final 6:23 for a 35-26 halftime lead.

In the second half the Mavericks extended their lead to 17 points (52-35) at the 13:16 mark. WNMU closed the gap to nine points (45-54) with under 10 minutes remaining with a 10-2 run. A layup by Fite and free throw pushed the lead back to double digits (57-45). MSC cruised in the final eight minutes allowing the Mustangs just seven points.

MSC shot 55.6 percent (30-54) from the floor and outrebounded WNMU 45-23.

WNMU shot 32.9 percent (17-53) including 7-of-26 from the 3-point line.  The Mustangs had eight turnovers while the Mavericks turned the ball over 17 times, seven in the first half.

MSC will host New Mexico Highlands Saturday night at 7 p.m.  

Box Score