COMMERCE, Texas - The Midwestern State Mustangs made enough plays in overtime to claim a gutsy 85-83 win over the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions on Saturday night.

The Mustangs (18-5, 7-2) followed a tough loss at home to Tarleton State with a total team effort against Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday night. MSU had 4 players score in double digits, topped by Bretson McNeal's 25 point effort.

The first half was in the Lion's control most of the way. TAMUC built a one-time 9 point lead, using an early 8-0 run in the first five minutes of the game.

MSU would battle back to tie the game at 33 all at the half after a 10-2 run in the final four minutes. Bretson McNeal drained two of his 4 first half triples during that run. McNeal ended the half with 14 points to lead all scorers.

The Lions won two key statistical areas at the half; rebounding and free throws. TAMUC grabbed 17 boards to MSU's 15 and went to the free throw line 20 times, connecting on 15. The Mustangs only shot 4 free throws, hitting 3.

In the second frame, MSU crashed the glass. The Mustangs finished the contest outrebounding the Lions 34-16 in the second half and overtime, including 14 offensive boards.

Midwestern State battled through foul trouble in the second half to eventually take a 7 point lead with 2:37 left in regulation. The Lions shifted gears to outscore MSU 9-2 over the final 2 minutes to send the game into overtime.

TAMUC grabbed a quick two point lead in the extra frame before Derrell Gibbs drained a long 3-pointer to reclaim a 79-78 lead for the good guys.

Following a Bretson McNeal layup and Commerce rally, Lion starting guard Anthony Adams drove to the hoop and laid in a score to give TAMUC an 83-82 advantage with 23 seconds left. Almost immediately, MSU senior guard Kevin Wagner flew down the court and knocked down an open 4-foot jumper to give Midwestern the 84-83 lead before the Lion defense could get set. It was the last lead MSU would need. 

"I think this win was all about Kevin Wagner," said MSU head coach Nelson Haggerty. "His decision making over the last few weeks has been tremendous and I trust him to make that play at the end."

The Mustang coach was also impressed with the Burkburnett, Texas standout Derrell Gibbs.

"Gibb's shots were HUGE. To get that first basket in overtime is always tough and we can rely on him to show up there."

The Mustangs were led by Bretson McNeal's first double-double - 25 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Derrell Gibbs added 16 points while Kevin Wagner ended with 13 points and 8 rebounds.

Next up for MSU is a drive down highway 287 on Wednesday, February 11, for a battle with the West Texas A&M Buffaloes. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. from Canyon, Texas.