THE RUNDOWN
WICHITA FALLS – The MSU Mustangs rode a lights-out shooting first half to claim a 73-57 win over Eastern New Mexico at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The Mustangs put up 47 points in the first half, the most in a half by Midwestern State this season.
 
The Mustangs started the game lighting up the scoreboard in the first half, going 13-of-20 (65.0 percent) from the field and 5-of-6 from deep to take a 47-31 lead into the locker room. Senior guard Whitney Taylor went a perfect 3-for-3 from deep and led MSU with 11 points.
 
Although the Mustangs would hit just one field goal in the first 12 minutes of the second half, the defense allowed just 26 points in the second half. Although ENMU would pull within nine at the 4:49 mark in the fourth quarter, the game was never in question as the Mustangs consistently capitalized on trips to the free throw line.
 
Four players finished in double-figures with a pair narrowly missing a double-double. Senior guard Jasmine Richardson and senior forward Micheline Mercelita posted 15 and 13 points, respectively, while both grabbed nine rebounds. Taylor closed the afternoon with 14 points and six rebounds while freshman Hannah Reynolds had a season-high 13.
 
The Greyhounds were led by senior wing Mikaehla Connor with 19 points and seven rebounds. ENMU drops to 8-7 overall and 4-4 in Lone Star Conference play.

NOTES
- The Mustangs scored 47 points in the first half, the most in a single half by MSU this season. MSU previously scored 43 in the first half against Angelo State on Dec. 7
- The win was the second-straight by Midwestern State, which improved to 6-2 at home one the season.
- MSU shot a season-high 50 free throws, going 32-of-50 from the stripe.
- The Mustangs shot 65.0 percent in the first half, compared to just 18.5 in the second half.
- The MSU defense limited the Greyhounds to 36.7 percent from the field. It was the sixth-straight game the Mustangs have limited their opposition to less than 40 percent.
- The Mustangs won the rebound battle for the ninth time in 14 games this season, outrebounding the Greyhounds, 44-37.
- Senior guard Jasmine Richardson and senior forward Micheline Mercelita each narrowly missed a double-double. Richardson led the 'Stangs with 15 points while Mercelita added 13. Both players finished with nine rebounds.
- Richardson notched new season highs in points, minutes (34), made field goals (4), field goal attempts (10), free throw attempts (12) and rebounds (9).
- Mercelita scored in double-figures for the sixth time in the last seven games and the eighth time this season.
- Senior guard Whitney Taylor started the game hot, going 4-for-4 from the field and 3-for-3 from deep. She finished with 14 points and six rebounds. It was the Melissa natives eighth time this season in double figures.
- Freshman center Hannah Reynolds scored a career-high 13 points while going 7-for-8 from the charity stripe, both season-highs.

UP NEXT
Midwestern State is back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 16 against Cameron at Aggie Gym in Lawton. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.