The men’s basketball team, ranked 13th in the country according to the National Association of Basketball Coaches division 2 poll, finished its preseason schedule on Nov. 4 with a 89-56 win against Langston from Oklahoma.
“These preseason games have helped us grow as a team,” Nelson Haggerty, head men’s basketball coach, said. “The different defenses we saw this preseason will help us later on in the season.”
Senior guard Monzaigo Williams paced the Mustangs with 18 points to go with seven assists, five rebounds and three steals.
“Williams leads our team. He makes good decisions, helps us get into our offense quickly and can score as well,” Haggerty said.
Senior forward Eddie D’Haiti finished with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while junior guard Derrell Gibbs hit four 3-pointers to finish with 12 points. The bench contributed 35 points and 16 rebounds, led by senior DeJuan Plummer and freshman Cory Bennett with seven points apiece.
“The depth of this team is one of our strengths, we can play big or small,” Haggerty said. “Our new guys have blended well with the older guys.”
According to Haggerty, only one accomplishment will make the season a successful one.
“A national championship, that is what we strive for as a team,” Haggerty said.
The team’s next game will be Friday in the Southwestern Oklahoma Classic against Southwestern Oklahoma. On Saturday, the team plays East Central University in Oklahoma.
