The men’s basketball Mustangs are back in action as they competed in the Southwest Minnesota State University Classic against both Fort Hays State (Kan.) and Northwest Missouri State on Nov. 9 and 10, respectively.

The team took a loss against Fort Hays with a final score of 72-89. Though the Mustangs gained more points in the first half, Fort Hays rallied back with 58 points in the second half to win the game.

William Giddings led the team with 16 points. Shaun Condon scored a total of 15 points, a career-high for him. Matt Zager, Vinard Birch and Nick Smith also scored 10 points or higher for the team.

The next day saw the Mustangs even the score as they took the win against Northwest Missouri State with a final score of 72-50. The team gained 33 points in the first half and continued with 39 more in the second. Birch led the team in points with 18 total with six assists while Smith and Giddings scored over 10 points in the game.

The SMSU Classic also hosted both universities competing against Upper Iowa University on Nov. 9 and 10, respectively. Both Fort Hays and Northwest Missouri State defeated Upper Iowa – 97-90 (Fort Hays) and 91-78 (NW Missouri).

The Mustangs would go on to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Nov. 18 where they would suffer a second loss in the start of the season.

Cole Martin scored a total of 11 points for the Mustangs, the only player to go into double digits. Though the Mustangs started strong in the second half, it wasn’t enough as the Jackrabbits took the win with a final score of 62-83.

The team starts their season with a 1-2 record and are looking for a comeback in this upcoming weekend against Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech on Nov. 21 and 22, respectively. The Mustangs will travel to Michigan for these matchups.

The Mustangs will return to the home court on Dec. 6 after the Nov. 30 game against the University of Sioux Falls.