WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS – Frances King made her second straight start on Thursday night and made the most of her opportunity, scoring 12 points and handing out a career-high nine assists in a 76-64 win over the Angelo State Belles inside D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

The redshirt freshman went 3-of-7 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the free throw line in a season-high 29 minutes of action.

"I just tried to push the ball up the floor to our forwards," Frances King said. "I think our different starting lineup the last few nights has had a big impact on our game."

King's fast break layup with 2:17 remaining in the opening quarter gave MSU a 21-7 advantage, their largest lead of the frame. The Mustangs outscored Angelo State 18-7 over the final 6:51 to take an 11-point edge into the second quarter. 

"Frances has a great mind for the game," MSU Head Coach Noel Johnson said. "She has great court vision, and that is what makes her such a dynamic point guard."

Midwestern State excelled in the transition game, outscoring Angelo State 29-16. Elizabeth's Cathcart's fast break bucket helped MSU to a 44-30 lead with 3:20 remaining in the first half. Cathcart led all players with 21 points. The senior shot 9-of-18 from the floor and grabbed eight rebounds. 

"I was very proud of the girls," Johnson said. "I think scoring 29 fast break points was really a huge key for us."

The Belles cut the deficit to 44-38 early in the third quarter, but the Maroon and Gold quickly pushed the lead back to 10. It would remain in double digits the rest of the way.

"Angelo State is a great team and we are going to enjoy this win tonight," Johnson said. "But tomorrow, it is back to work to get ready for Lubbock Christian."

GAME NOTES
- Mandy Withey scored six points on 3-of-4 shooting, both career-highs
- 10 different players scored at least 2 points
- The win was MSU's first over Angelo State at home since 2015
- MSU held Angelo State to 64 points, well below their LSC leading 77.4 PPG
- The Mustangs turned the ball over 22 times, making it the second time this season they turned the ball over 20+ times and won (28 turnovers vs Texas Wesleyan on Nov. 16) 

UP NEXT
A showdown with No. 2 Lubbock Christian on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is at 2 p.m.