WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- New Mexico attacked early to construct an insurmountable lead in its season opener Friday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
 
The Lobos connected on 12-of-18 free throws in the opening stanza to jump out to a 19-point edge on their way to a 93-65 win over Midwestern State.
 
"There is really no other way to say it. We panicked," MSU coach Christopher Reay said. "They are huge and they are fast and it was the first time under the lights at home. Usually, our first-game jitters are against a JUCO and not a Mountain West opponent."
 
The Mustangs struggled to 0-for-7 from the floor and committed seven turnovers in the first period. And New Mexico made them pay working for 10-0 edge in points off of the miscues.
 
"The exposed everything we thought they would and we finally adjusted," Reay said. "The second and third quarters were great."
 
Midwestern State stayed within nine points over the final three quarters shooting 18-of-39 from the floor (46.2 percent) led by junior forward Shawnisay Millar for the third consecutive exhibition game. The Prestonpan, Scotland native booked 13 points in 20 minutes of court time.
 
Senior forward Hannah Reynolds and sophomore guard Eternity Jackson pitched eight points each, while sophomore guard Frances King pitched in seven points.
 
Junior Ahlise Hurst knocked down five 3-pointers on her way to a game-high 18 points to lead a pack of five Lobos in double figures.
 
"There are definitely a lot of good takeaways and a lot to learn from all of these games," Reay said. "We can't wait to get started next week."
 
Midwestern State opens regular season play Friday and Saturday against Cameron at Aggie Gym in Lawton. Tipoff on Friday is set for 5 p.m.