Box Score

KINGSVILLE, Texas - Midwestern State got just what it wanted and needed in its 86-64 Lone Star Conference win over Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday afternoon at Hampton Inn Court in Steinke Center.
 
"This is a tough place to play and a tough road trip," MSU coach Noel Johnson said. "This was redemption for the kids with way we played her last year. And I was proud of the energy we showed on the road. This is how you have to play all of the time."
 
Aided by the memory of the Javelinas' 20-point win on its home floor last season, the Mustangs were able to spread out key contributions and limit playing time in preparation for Monday night's showdown against league leading Tarleton State at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
 
"There wasn't one individual standing out," Johnson said. We were focused on getting the ball where we could hurt them."
 
Freshman guard Dianna Jones led a group of five MSU players to score in double figures with 16 points and was joined by sophomore Kirsti Degelia (15 points, seven rebounds), freshman Andrea Carter (15 points, six rebounds) and senior Jazman Patterson (12 points, four rebounds).
 
"We needed to get the ball inside," Johnson said. "I feel the game play that coach (Christopher) Reay and JB (Jillian Samuells) put together was great. We knew were going to grind it out and do what we do. If we did that, we were going to win."
 
The Mustangs also got solid contributions from freshman Taylor Dowd, who notched a season-high eight points while junior guard Ashley Rush added eight points and three assists.
 
Midwestern worked a 10-0 run in the first half to turn an 11-8 early deficit into a 19-11 lead when Degelia converted a three-point play 11:09 before intermission.
 
The Mustangs would expand the lead to 38-28 at halftime and continued to build the lead to the game's final margin of 22.
 
Inekka Stevenson had 17 points and six rebounds to pace Texas A&M-Kingsville which slipped to 7-16 on the season and to 6-11 in LSC play.
 
The Mustangs now set their sight on Tarleton State as they can tie the Texans for the league lead with a win under the dome Monday night. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
 
"We're pretty pumped about this game," Johnson said. "These seniors are so determined to leave a legacy with what we're doing. Hopefully, what we did tonight will show again Monday night."