Westerners Upset #8 Odessa College Behind Homelius’ 24 Points

Snyder, TX – Illness and injuries weren't enough to stop the Westerners, as they held off the #8 Odessa College Wranglers 69–64 Thursday night at the WTC Colosseum. Head Coach Matt Hardy missed the game due to illness, leaving assistant coach Carson Hammond to lead the team—a memorable night for Hammond and the staff. Adding to the challenge, Westerners' leading scorer Justin McCall, who averages 15.5 points per game, was sidelined.

How we got there:

The first quarter ended tied at 29–29, but the Westerners surged in the second half, building a 10-point lead, 61–51, with 2:55 remaining. Odessa responded with an 11–5 run to cut the deficit to just two points, taking advantage of a few WTC mistakes.

Western Texas College shot 48% from the field (24-50) and 28% from three-point range (7-25), outpacing Odessa's 38.6% shooting and 21.1% from deep. WTC also dished out 12 assists compared to Odessa's 6 and converted 22 points off 17 turnovers, helping fuel the upset. Odessa dominated the boards with 49 rebounds to WTC's 34, including more second-chance points (21–16), but WTC matched Odessa in the paint (26 points each) and outscored them in transition, 12 fastbreak points to 2.

Key performers included Isak Homelius, who totaled 24 points for his fourth 20-point game of the season, and Anesu Dehwe, scoring 13 points for his eighth double-digit outing. Devonta Hilliard contributed clutch free throws down the stretch, while Calven Charles added six rebounds, three assists, and a critical block. Defensive plays—including a late steal by Hilliard—helped seal the win as WTC outscored Odessa in the final minute to pull away.

By the Numbers:

9- lead changes

22- points off turnovers

12-assists 

Notes:

• Last home win vs. Odessa: 2/17/2020
• WTC improves to 1-1 at home when tied after the first quarter
• 48% shooting (24-50)
• 6 different starting lineup

Next Up:

Western Texas College travels to face Howard College on Monday, Jan. 19, with tipoff at 7:30 p.m.