THE RUNDOWN
KINGSVILLE, Texas -- Senior Kristin Rydell splashed in 16 points to pace Midwestern State to its fourth straight win 72-66 over Texas A&M-Kingsville Tuesday night at the Steinke Physical Education Center.

The Mustangs remain atop the Lone Star Conference with a 4-0 record as Noel Johnson became the program's all-time coaching wins leader with her 133rd victory.

"To have that is a credit to the staff both current and past. It means a lot but it means so much to the players," Johnson said. "I am proud to be at MSU and proud to have this honor."

In her 10th season at the helm, Johnson has led the program to three consecutive NCAA Division II regional appearances (2013-15) including a Lone Star Conference championship in 2015.

At 7-2, the Mustangs are off to their best start since the 2014-15 team rolled out to a 13-1 record on the way to an overall 23-7 mark.

Midwestern was red hot from the field in the first half connecting on 8-of-14 shots including all three of its 3-pointers to lead by as many 15 points in the opening half.

The Mustangs went ice cold in the second half shooting 28.6 percent from the floor (6-for-21) allowing the Javelinas to claw back into the game.

"Texas A&M-Kingsville is better than their record," Johnson said. "That showed with the way they were able to dig in and play defense."

The Javelinas hit six consecutive free throws down the stretch to pull within three points a 67-64 with 1:53 to go, but that's as close as it would get.

Despite being held without a field goal over the final 5 1/2 minutes, MSU hit five free throws down the stretch and held Texas A&M-Kingsville without a field goal over the final 3:53.

Senior forward Micheline Mercelita completed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while senior guard Whitney Taylor overcame a 1-for-9 shooting night to finish with 12 points by going 9-of-10 at the free throw line.

Senior forward Angelica Wilson and sophomore guard Victoria Salinas scored 14 points each lead Texas A&M-Kingsville, which fell to 3-8 and 0-4.

NOTES
- Noel Johnson claimed her 133rd coaching win to move past Shannon Burks, who amassed 132 victories from 1999-2008. She is the longest tenured head coach in program history now her 10th season.
- The team celebrated the victory by dousing their coach with water and presenting her with a pullover sweatshirt.
- Midwestern State held an opponent under the 30-percent shooting barrier for the third time this season. The Javelinas finished at 29.5 percent (18-of-61).
- The Mustangs shot a season-high 42 free throws against Texas A&M-Kingsville.
- MSU lost the rebounding battle (50-42) for the second straight game. The Mustangs out-rebounded six of their first seven opponents this season.
- Senior guard Kristin Rydell led the Mustangs in scoring for the second consecutive game finishing with a season-high 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting with two 3-pointers.
- Senior forward Micheline Mercelita notched her second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT
Midwestern State enjoys an 11-day break for Christmas before returning to face Southern Nazarene on Saturday, Dec. 30th at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.