In a Lone Star Conference showdown with No. 23-ranked UT Permian Basin, the West Texas A&M football team had to lean on its defense. Time and time again, the much improved unit under the guidance of defensive coordinator Justin Richter kept battling, halting the Falcons on numerous occasions.

Unfortunately, the Buffaloes’ offense just couldn’t find their rhythm. 

The offensive struggles snapped WTAMU’s three-game positive momentum swing, falling to UT Permian Basin by way of a 22-6 decision on Saturday at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland. The Buffs’ defense grew sturdy after conceding the game’s first 17 points, holding the Falcons to just three second half points.

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According to head coach Josh Lynn, the defense was what kept the Buffaloes alive until the very end.

“I’m proud of the defensive effort,” Lynn told Lucas Kinsey, Voice of the Buffaloes, following the contest. “With how much they were on the field compared to the offense, they gave us a chance to win. Even in the fourth quarter, if we had a chance to put (the ball) in the endzone, we would have had a chance to win. Offensively, we couldn’t do anything all night.”

The Buffs’ offensive capabilities were limited by a suffocating Falcon defense, churning out only six first downs, 18 total rushing yards and a time of possession of 13 minutes, 46 seconds. The Buffs came to life by the end of the first half, but a safety in the third quarter and multiple three-and-outs in the second half hamstrung the visiting side. 

WT, who dropped down to 4-3 overall with a 4-1 record within the LSC, has a chance to bounce back into the win column next week. At 7 p.m. next Saturday, the Buffs will play host to Texas A&M-Kingsville at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon.

The game is designated as the West Texas State Classic, with the Buffs urging its fans to wear WT attire.

The Javelinas (3-5, 2-4 LSC) lost to Western Oregon, 34-27, on Saturday at Pepsi Field at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville.

UTPB (6-2, 4-2 LSC) will travel to the Land of Enchantment next weekend. At 1 p.m. CT next Saturday, the Falcons will take on Western New Mexico at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, N.M.

The Mustangs (2-6, 1-5 LSC) fell to Eastern New Mexico in the Chile Bowl, 59-35, at Al Whitehead Field at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium in Portales, N.M.

Trailing 17-0 midway through the second quarter, WT put together its best drive of the game. 

Lasting seven plays and 75 yards, graduate quarterback RJ Martinez connected with grad wideout Drew Zamar for 26 yards and found teammate Jamir Roberts for a 44 yard gain. Martinez then completed the drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to senior utility man Sean “Fats” Johnson with 4:55 to go in the second period. 

However, Preston Gregg missed the PAT to only trim UTPB’s lead to 11 points going into the break. 

WT then gave up a safety in a nonorthodox way with 1:32 left in the third, with a holding call in the endzone following an incomplete pass from Martinez. UTPB then sealed the game with a field goal with 11:34 remaining in the game.

Senior defensive back David deMenezes and redshirt sophomore Miles Hill led the way for the Buffaloes on defense, with 12 tackles each. Redshirt sophomore Javin Cash added seven tackles and teammate Dy’cques Shaw tallied six tackles. 

Martinez was 11-of-32 for 169 yards and one TD, and rushed for 18 yards on five carries.

Roberts recorded 46 yards on two catches and grad wideout Cristian Dixon reeled in 41 yards on one reception. Zamar totaled 32 yards on three receptions, followed by redshirt sophomore Zach Phipps’ 26 yards in one catch and grad receiver Trevin Edwards’ 25 yards in two catches. 

Senior punter James Ingham punted six times for 288 yards, averaging 48 yards per punt. This included pinning the Falcons behind their own 20 yard line on two separate occasions.

Check out the boxscore

For a look at the boxscore from Saturday’s game, please visit https://gobuffsgo.com/sports/football/stats/2025/ut-permian-basin/boxscore/11289