(Interstat) — The New Mexico Thunderbirds narrowly defeated the Frank Phillips Plainsmen 82-79 in a men’s junior college basketball game Tuesday. New Mexico built a slim 44-40 lead after a high-scoring first quarter and maintained that margin through the second half, outlasting the Plainsmen for a road victory. The win improved New Mexico’s season record to 12-4, while Frank Phillips fell to 6-12. Key individual performances from Bryceson Dobie of Frank Phillips and Delang Muon of New Mexico fueled the close contest, which saw the Thunderbirds secure the win despite a strong effort from the home team.