WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- Midwestern State mounted a furious third-quarter surge, but came up shy in the end in a 27-24 loss to Eastern New Mexico in Lone Star Conference play Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.

Sophomore quarterback Triston Williams connected on 8-of-9 passes for 146 yards in the third quarter leading the Mustangs on three touchdown drives as MSU Texas took a 24-17 lead in the final stanza.

But the Greyhounds got to the signal caller who was make his first collegiate start to force a fumble on a 13-yard sack early in the fourth quarter to give ENMU the ball on the Mustangs' 9-yard line. 

Three plays later, Johnny Smith rambled in on a pitch toss around the left end to allowing the Greyhounds to tie the game at 24-all.

Eastern New Mexico forced the Mustangs into a three-and-out on the next possession to seize momentum.

The 'Hounds kept the ball for the next 5 minutes on an 11-play, 67-yard drive to regain the advantage courtesy of a 23-yard field by Tyler Vargas with 3:21 to play.

Eastern New Mexico ground out 417 rushing yards paced by Paul Terry's workman-like effort. The senior pounded out 225 yards on 40 carries, while slot man Johnny Smith had 105 yards on 15 totes.

The Mustangs forced a pair of Wyatt Strand fumbles coming on the 1-yard line in the first half and another with the Greyhounds driving in the third quarter.

Midwestern State senior Quinton Childs turned his third 100-yard rushing performance of the season going for 165 yards on 23 carries, while senior wideout Xavier Land notched his second consecutive game over the century mark making six catches for 111 yards.

Williams completed 13-of-23 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown in his first start.

The Midwestern State defense made 11 tackles for loss including a sack and was paced by sophomore Matthew Roach's career-best 14-tackle effort.

Midwestern State hits the road to face Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday night at Memorial Stadium in Commerce. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.