Oklahoma City, Okla. - Hunter Staten and D.J. Walter scored the Eagles' first eight points to start their strong performances on Senior Day.
 
Walter got the Eagles' scoring started with a jumper, and Staten scored 6 straight points by bullying the Mustangs in the lane to give OC an early 8-7 lead.
 
Antonio Gordon hit two threes, and Karlyn Kenner made another on three straight possessions to give Oklahoma Christian a lead. And Nyk Madison added a layup to bring the score to 19-16 with 10:58 to play.
 
Kenner gave OC a 21-20 lead on another jumper before WNMU responded with 9 straight points to take a 29-21 lead. The Eagles cut the lead to 3 at 31-28, but another offensive burst gave the Mustangs a 39-31 lead at halftime.
 
The senior Hunter Staten had 8 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds to lead OC in the first half, and the freshman Jaden Young scored 8 points to go with 3 rebounds in the first half.
 
Western New Mexico took a 13-point lead at 49-36 to open the second half. OC didn't let that deter them, and they went on a 13-2 run, capped by two monster alley-oops from Shane Perales to Antonio Gordon.
 
With 6:16 remaining, the Mustangs extended their lead back out to 8, but the Eagles kept battling, and a Drew Tennial three, a part of his team-high 17, cut the lead to 69-66 with 2:35 left in the game.
 
WNMU went on to use free throws to close out the game and hold on to win 79-70.
 
Up Next
 
The Eagles will close the season next Thursday at 7:30 against Arkansas-Fort Smith.
 
Top Performances
 
Drew Tennial: 17 points (7-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 6 assists
Antonio Gordon: 13 points, 1 block
D.J. Walter: 10 points, 3 rebounds
Jaden Young: 10 points, 4 rebounds
Hunter Staten: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists