PLAINVIEW --- Wayland Baptist continued its dominant start to the season Friday night inside Hutcherson Center, overwhelming Northern New Mexico from start to finish in an 89–56 victory that pushed the Pioneers to a perfect 5–0 on the year.
Behind efficient offense, relentless defense, and a massive performance from the bench, Wayland controlled every phase of the game while showcasing just how deep and balanced this team has become.
The Pioneers wasted no time asserting themselves, storming out to an early double-digit lead fueled by the inside-outside combo of
Rico Yarbrough and
Marcus Green, who combined for 20 first-half points. Yarbrough imposed his will in the paint and on the glass, while Green sparked the offense with transition buckets and timely shooting.
Wayland's defensive intensity was equally impressive. The Pioneers forced rushed shots, protected the rim, and limited the Eagles to just 25% shooting in the opening period. By halftime, Wayland had built a 43–22 lead and never looked back.
What made the win most impressive was the sheer number of contributors. Ten Pioneers found the scoring column, and the bench poured in a staggering 44 points, nearly matching Northern New Mexico's entire offensive output.
Green led the way with 17 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, including a pair of threes and multiple highlight-reel finishes. Yarbrough added 14 points and six boards, and
Julian Perez orchestrated the offense brilliantly, finishing with a team-high nine assists and 10 points.
Wayland dominated the glass as well, outrebounding the Eagles 55–40, including 15 offensive boards that consistently created second-chance scoring opportunities.
Wave after wave, Wayland's reserves extended the lead and suffocated any attempt Northern New Mexico made to climb back into the game.
The Pioneers shot 45.7% in the second half and an impressive 90% at the free-throw line, maintaining the pressure while continuing to share the ball—finishing the night with 26 assists to just nine turnovers.
Even as the lead grew to as many as 33, Wayland stayed disciplined, locked in defensively, and continued executing.
At 5–0, the Pioneers have established themselves as a team built on depth, toughness, and unselfish basketball. Friday's win was another example of a squad playing with confidence—and only scratching the surface of its potential.
Wayland now looks ahead to its next challenge, opening Sooner Athletic Conference play against the Golden Eagles of John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 20
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