Hot Start by Dehwe Not Enough as South Plains Pulls Away Late

Hot Start by Dehwe Not Enough as South Plains Pulls Away Late
January 27, 2026
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Levelland, TX — Anesu Dehwe's early hot hand cooled in the second half, but Western Texas College stayed within striking distance before falling to No. 11 South Plains College, 81–74, Tuesday night.

How we got there

Western Texas (10–10, 2–4) rolled out its eighth different starting lineup of the season and erased an eight-point deficit in the first half to take control heading into the break. Dehwe scored 20 of his game-high 29 points in the opening half, helping the Westerners build a 35–31 halftime lead.

The Westerners also held a slim edge on the glass at halftime, 17–15, and were nearly perfect at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 12 attempts.

Dehwe continued his strong play early in the second half, knocking down a three-pointer at the 19:31 mark to extend the lead to 38–32. However, South Plains responded with increased defensive pressure and efficient shooting down the stretch.

The game was tied 56–56 with 7:36 remaining, but the Texans used a decisive 5–0 run to regain momentum. South Plains shot 61% in the second half, a surge that proved too much for the Westerners to overcome.

By the numbers

  • 29 — Season-high points for Anesu Dehwe, surpassing his previous high of 28
  • 3 — 20-point games this season for Dehwe
  • 6 — Offensive rebounds, a season low
  • 7 — Assists by Kalon Hargrove (season high)

Notes

  • Western Texas shot 85.7% from the free-throw line (12-for-14), its best mark of the season
  • Calven Charles recorded his seventh game with double-digit rebounds
  • The Westerners passed their season average of 72 PPG
  • 11th 10+ point game for Isak Homelius 

Up Next

The Westerners will take on Midland College on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 PM at the WTC Colosseum.