BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - No. 20 Midwestern State showed its depth in dominating second half to roll past Emporia State (Kan.) 67-54 in the finale of the South Central Regional Challenge at Bruin Fieldhouse.

"This year, we have more pieces to contribute," MSU coach Grant McCasland said. "Our depth is great, so I'm OK with giving up some early fouls if we're playing hard. I feel we can wear then down over the course of the game."

Only two starters - guard Chris Hagan and Michael Loyd - logged more than 12 minutes for the Mustangs as the bench accounted for 33 of MSU's 67 points.

The real difference showed up in the second half shooting lines as the Mustangs limited the Hornets to 5-of-20 shooting (25 percent) including a 1-of-7 effort from the 3-point line.

"I'm glad I got to stay and be a part of it," said McCasland who earned his first career ejection in a loss to Fort Hays State Friday night. "It makes a big difference in our basketball club. We proved what we could do tonight in the second half."

Midwestern used a 9-1 run keyed by 3-pointers by Keonte' Logan and Hagan to surge to a 31-23 lead with 2:08 to play before intermission and ultimately led by six points at halftime.

The Hornets would pull to within 39-36 on a Matt Boswell layup early in the second half, but Michael Loyd ignited a 19-5 run over the next nine minutes as the Mustangs expanded the lead to 58-41 on Kevin Loyd's second trey during the run with 6:03 to play.

Emporia State would get no closer than 12 the remainder of the way.

Michael Loyd enjoyed a solid all-around game with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. He was joined in double figures by junior forward Darrick Thomas (12 points, nine rebounds) and Hagan (10 points, three rebounds, three assists).

The Hornets (0-2) were led by Boswell, who finished with 16 points and five rebounds in 31 minutes of court time.

Midwestern State faces Southwestern Christian in its home opener Wednesday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.