BIG SPRING, Texas -- NOC Tonkawa dropped their third straight in the Howard Classic losing 76-71 to Western (TX) on Sunday.

Benji Nelson led the Mavs with 22 points while Antwan Jones added 17.

Ebi Bortey and James Brown, Jr. led the Mavs with six rebounds each while Nelson added four assists.

NOC trailed Western 39-32 at half and cut the lead to within striking distance by outscoring Western 39-37 in the second half.

NOC shot 44% from the floor and 42% from 3-point range.  The Mavs were 13 of 18 from the line (72%).

The Mavs (3-11) are off until Jan. 5 when NOC travels to Eastern for the conference opener.

Western (TX) 76, Mavs 71

                      1     2--Total

Western         39   37-- 76

Mavs             32   39-- 71

Mavs--B. Nelson 22, A. Jones 17, J. Breath 9, G. Ruey 8, E. Bortey 7, B. Domsch 4, Brown 2, K. Lewis 2.