FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Midwestern State battled Lynn University basket for basket in the opening half Friday night at the Courtyard by Mariot Tipoff Classic in Nova Southeastern's University Center.

But the Fighting Knights opened the second half with an 18-2 run and ran away with a 94-72 season opening win.

"We ran into a buzzsaw tonight," MSU coach Shannon Burks said. "That was the best team we've seen in a few years."

Junior guard Jade Williams scored a game high 28 points and added seven rebounds and six assists to key a 64.5-percent shooting half as Lynn turned a 38-38 deadlock at halftime into a 22-point victory.

Lynn also received a double-double performance from senior Rachel Brockman, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes of action. Brockman is a transfer from Division I Vanderbilt.

The Mustangs got a lift from sophomore Andrea Buben who scored 11 of her 13 points in the first half as the teams exchanged the lead six times and were tied seven others before intermission.

"We had a great first half," Burks said. "I don't know if it was their offense or our defense (in the second half), but I thought we played really hard and competed."

Midwestern took its last lead when Buben connected on our third 3-pointer of the first half to put the Mustangs up 32-29 with 4:18 to go.

The Fighting Knight responded with a 9-2 run before Kaylon Hodge hit a layup and a runner in the final 1:04 to send the game to the half tied at 38-38.

Junior guard Brandy Moore posted a team-high 20 points for MSU after scoring 18 in the second half, while Brittni Morrison added 15.

Junior forward Rosy Ofoegbu paced the Mustangs on the glass with 11 rebounds.

"We'll have to make a quick turnaround to get ready for tomorrow," Burks said.

The Mustangs, who committed just seven turnovers in the season opener, will face Barry (Fla.) University Saturday at 1 p.m. to close out the classic. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.