HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Amber Leggett exploded for 16 of her game-high 34 points in a decisive second period to lead Sam Houston State to a season opening 104-61 win over Midwestern State Wednesday night at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
 
The game counted as one of two exhibition contests for the Mustangs this week as MSU also takes on UT Arlington Sunday afternoon at College Park Center in Arlington Tipoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
 
Midwestern State pushed out to a solid start bolting out to a 15-10 lead after freshman Maya Kendall buried a 3-pointer from the left wing with 4:10 to go in the opening frame.
 
But Leggett sparked the Bearkats in the second period.
 
The Navarre, Fla. native connected on five of her eight shots in the second period including consecutive triples late in the half as SHSU outscored the Mustangs 37-16 in the period to take 53-33 lead into the break.
 
MSU senior guard Kityana Diaz paced the Mustangs with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting including a 3-pointer. The Amarillo Palo Duro High School grad was 3-for-5 from the free throw line.
 
Junior Shawnisay Millar added 11 points on just three field goal attempts. The Prestonpans, Scotland native hit nine of her 10 free throws and grabbed three rebounds.
 
Sophomore guard Frances King enjoyed a solid all-around game with nine points, five assists and five steals.
 
Midwestern State has dropped its last eight games against NCAA Division I competition dating back to a 67-56 win over UT Arlington on Nov. 8, 2011.
 
NOTES
* Midwestern State recorded assists on 10 of its 15 made field goals against Sam Houston State. Sophomore Frances King led the effort with five assists, while also recording a team-best five steals.
* The Mustangs combined to connect on 21-of-27 as a team from the charity stripe. Junior forward Shawnisay Millar connect on her first nine charity tosses before missing her 10th try.
* Sophomore Sheridan Bostic buried two triples to finish with eight points, while freshman Maya Kendall also buried two triples – one at the second-half buzzer – to net six points.
* MSU was limited to three offensive rebounds and three second-chance points.
* Sam Houston State dressed just eight players due to Covid tracing protocols.
* Midwestern State surrendered 100 points for the first time since falling to Texas A&M-Commerce, 107-70, on Jan. 4, 2020.