WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Midwestern State has displayed the ability to battle through adversity all season long.

The Mustangs (8-10, 6-8) showcased that ability once more on Saturday afternoon, taking the floor against Texas A&M International without Head Coach Noel Johnson, who was under the weather.  

With longtime Assistant Coach Christopher Reay roaming the sidelines, senior Mica Schneider led an inspired bunch to an 87-77 win over the visiting Dustdevils inside D.L. Ligon Coliseum. 

"I think as soon as we found out back in May, I knew that this would potentially be a possibility at some point," Reay said. "I was hopeful it would never have to be as she is kicking cancer's butt. But some days are tougher than others."

Schneider hit a career-high five three-pointers on the way to a career best 26 points. The Boerne, Texas native grabbed nine rebounds and handed out seven assists. Schneider scored 11 of her game-high 26 points in the first half, helping the Mustangs score a season best 51 points in the opening 20 minutes. MSU Texas led 51-39 at the break. 

"I think we played better as a team," Mica Schneider said. "We played off our defense and Elizabeth (Cathcart) sparking us with eight straight points to start the game, I really think got us going."

The Mustangs led by as much as 17 points in the second half after a basket by Markayla Johnson. The freshman finished with a career-high six points on 3-of-5 shooting. 

TAMIU cut the deficit to eight points with 2:41 remaining in regulation following a Jaden Gonzales three-pointer, but it was the closest the Dustdevils would come the rest of the way.

Elizabeth Cathcart scored 20 points, the 15th time this season the senior has scored in double figures. Hannah Reynolds added 10 points and blocked two shots. 

Patrycja Jaworska and Josselin Geer each scored 15 points for visiting Texas A&M International (7-14, 4-11). The Dustdevils have dropped 10-straight.

Midwestern State renews their rivalry with Tarleton State on Thursday night in Stephenville. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.