TYLER, Texas -- Eternity Jackson was expecting to get the start Thursday night at Louise Herrington Patriot Center, but she sure didn't shrink from the opportunity.
 
The true freshman kick started Midwestern State's offense with a pair of 3-pointers in the opening period as the Mustangs rolled to an 81-63 win over UT Tyler.
 
"I was surprised (to get the start), but not nervous," Jackson said. "One shot can bring the team together because it can bring the energy. The defense played a big role in that, too."
 
The Mustangs' defense forced 26 turnovers and turned those miscues into 36 points to provide the difference in the game.
 
"Once 'Tern hit he 3, we took a breath and started relaxing," MSU coach Noel Johnson said.
 
Jackson each of her eight points in the first half while playing 18 minutes.
 
And it all started with the starting five of Jackson, sophomore Shawnisay Millar, junior Kityana Diaz, sophomore Haevyn Risley and senior Courtney Kerr.
 
"That group had a great practice yesterday," Johnson said. "I've always said if you get it done in practice, you are going to get rewarded in the game."
 
Once again, all 15 Mustangs contributed to the winning effort as MSU improved to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in league play.
 
Senior forward Elizabeth Cathcart tallied a team-high 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting with six rebounds to lead a quartet of Mustangs in double figures.
 
Mica Schneider connected on 5-of-6 shots with a pair of triples to add 12 points, while frosh Frances King and junior Hannah Reynolds chipped in 10 points each.
 
Together, the Mustangs shot 49.3 percent from the field on the way to a season-high output of 81 points.
 
Junior guard Kelsey Crouse paced UT Tyler with 19 points. The Patriots dipped to 2-8 and 0-6 in their first year as a member of the Lone Star Conference.
 
Midwestern State takes on Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday afternoon at A&M-C Field House. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.