Western Texas Wins Two at Howard Classic

Snyder, TX - Western Texas men's basketball (9-5, 0-0 WJCAC) visited the Howard Classic over the weekend and left Big Spring with two victories. 

WTC vs Ranger, 60-63

Western Texas had an exciting start to the weekend with a close contest until the end. On Friday, the Westerners took on the Rangers to begin the Howard Classic. The Rangers took a commanding advantage in the first half as Western Texas went into the break down nine, 18-27. In the second half the Westerners turned it around and came out strong to outscore the Rangers. However, the final 20 minute push was not enough to overcome their early deficit. The Westerners dropped their first game to Ranger College by a close three point finish, 60-63. 

Justin McCall led both sides in scoring with his 18 points, two assists and two rebounds, Ronald Durham collected the most steals with three, assisted three times and found the bucket for 12 points. Calven Charles was up and down the court with three defensive and three offensive rebounds as well as nine points scored. The Westerners fell in their first appearance but hit the court again on Saturday. 

WTC vs North Idaho, 68-60

The Westerners met with the North Idaho Cardinals on the second day of the Howard Classic. Western Texas jumped out ahead to start the game and kept a consistent seven point edge. In the last five minutes, the Cardinals came within one score and eventually took a lead, 24-26. The Westerners separated in the final minutes with a three from Durham to go up at the break, 35-29. With ten minutes left, Western Texas took a 20 point advantage and finished the victory, 68-60. 

McCall again led both teams in scoring with 28 points, grabbed five rebounds and recorded a steal. Will Lobor was second in points for the Westerners as he sank three shots from the three point line, an assist and a rebound. Quentin Henry collected double digits in rebounds, with a team leading four steals and two assists. Durham earned ten assists and six points.

WTC vs Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa, 76-71

For their final game of the Howard Classic, the Westerners faced off the Northern Oklahoma Mavericks. Midway through the first half, Western Texas College found themselves down by four. However, by the end of the first 20 minutes the Westerners were up by seven, 39-32. The Mavericks would outscore the Westerners in the second half but their efforts would not overcome their early deficit. Western Texas went on to win their second game of the classic against Northern Oklahoma, 76-71. 

Freshman McCall continued to have an impressive offensive performance in the final game with 25 points, eight rebounds and a steal. Charles had an incredible showing as he earned a double-double from his 22 points and 19 rebounds. Durham found the bucket for 14 points, recorded three assists and two rebounds. 

The Westerners appearance at the Howard Classic was their last appearance before the end of the 2025 calendar year and conference play. After the Christmas break, Western Texas will begin conference play within the WJCAC. 

UP NEXT: Western Texas will face off against the Clarendon Bulldogs on Monday, January 6th. Tipoff will be at 7:30pm at the WTC Coliseum and will be live streamed on the Western Texas College Athletics Youtube channel. 

Stay connected with the Westerners through social media. Follow Western Texas College Athletics on Twitter @WTCSportsOne. Check in with the Westerners on Facebook/WesternTexasCollegeAthleticsHPE and on Instagram @wtc_athletics.