Pioneers debut with win over N. New Mexico

(Official statistics not immediately available.)

ESPANOLA, N.M. – Wayland Baptist rallied from behind and put away Northern New Mexico College with a big second half as the Pioneers won their season-opener in the Ohkay Owingeh Classic here Thursday night, 94-85.

"To come on the road after (NNMC) had already played a game and to play our first one, I'm really proud of my team," Wayland coach Ty Harrelson said.

The Eagles (1-1) had the benefit of having already played a game, knocking off West Texas A&M last Saturday at home, 91-86. WT is ranked No. 21 in NCAA Division II.

"Northern New Mexico has some good players," Harrelson said.

The Eagles drained a 3-pointer near the end of the first half to take a 46-44 lead at the break. But Wayland outscored the home team in the final 20 minutes, 50-39.

"We played our style of basketball," Harrelson said of how Wayland took control of the game after intermission. "We turned up the defensive pressure and were able to force a couple of turnovers."

The coach said sophomore J.J. Culver "really turned up the pressure defensively and had a great second half," as did junior transfer Trevonta Robertson. "Trevonta and J.J. really turned up the heat and created a couple of fast-break opportunities.  And we shot the ball well in the second half (unofficially 58 percent)."

Harrelson said senior Tyrone Davis came through in the clutch.

"Tyrone had some really strong drives to the basket and finished when we needed him."

Harrelson also praised another junior transfer, Marco Zelic, who unofficially contributed 10 points, nine rebounds and four steals.

"Marco was really good off the bench. He got his hands on a lot of balls when we needed him to."

Wayland next plays University of the Southwest here at 6 p.m. Friday. Southwest and NNM then face off on Saturday to complete the classic.

"We'll start preparing for Southwest and look forward to (Friday)," Harrelson said.

NOTE: Harrelson reported senior Samuel Kalwanyi underwent successful knee surgery today and is expected to rejoin the lineup in December."