Box Score

PUEBLO, Colo. – The Midwestern State Mustangs used a 17-0 run in the first half to claim a lead they would not relinquish as the Mustangs ran their record to 4-0 with a 70-56 victory over Colorado State-Pueblo Saturday night in the 27th annual Al Kaly Classic.
 
The Mustangs held a two-point 14-12 lead when an Anthony Harris jumper keyed the 17-0 run over the next four minutes and MSU never looked back.
 
"We turned it up defensively," said MSU Coach Nelson Haggerty.  "We didn't allow them to run any offense, we were great in the passing lanes, we were really good on the ball and we made that turn into baskets on our end."
 
Midwestern ripped the nets during the first 12 minutes, hitting 75 percent of its shots while building a 31-12 lead, but the ThunderWolves (1-1) did answer to make it a game, cutting the MSU lead to eight with 13 minutes to play.
 
But the Mustangs responded with a 19-1 run over the next six minutes that put the T-Wolves away for good.
 
"It was a big win for us on the road," said Nelson Haggerty.  "I thought our guys did a great job in handling the different defenses thrown at them and they took care of the ball for the most part."
 
MSU had only one player in double-digits scoring as senior Darrick Thomas collected 10 points, with junior JaMichael Rivers adding nine and the trio of Michael Loyd, Keonte' Logan and Anthony Harris all chipping in eight.
 
Thomas Colbert had six rebounds to lead the Mustangs, while Kevin Loyd dished out seven assists.
 
Bryse Velasquez came off the bench to lead CSUP with 12 points, joined by Andre Martin off the bench with 11.  A.J. Kapanoske picked up seven boards in the loss.
 
Michael Loyd was named the tournament's most valuable player with his 26 tournament points and 4-of-8 from the 3-point arc.  Haggerty said it was deserving.
 
"He absolutely carried us for a stretch in the first half, shooting the ball well and being a facilitator."
 
The senior was joined by Anthony Harris on the all-tourney team after his 19 tournament points and three blocked shots.
Velasquez and Arden Dennis were selected to the all-tournament team for Colorado State-Pueblo, along with New Mexico Highlands' Marcus Williams and Colorado College's Ryan Milne.
 
The Mustangs return to action on Wednesday night when they host Jarvis Christian at 7 p.m. in Ligon Coliseum.