WICHITA FALLS, Texas - For the second time this season, the Midwestern State Mustangs experienced a dry spell against Arkansas-Fort Smith. But this time, the Mustangs ratcheted up their own play on the defensive end, keeping the Lions at bay before going on a run of their own in a come from behind 75-70 win on Thursday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. 

"It was a commitment from the people on the floor," interim head coach Christopher Reay said. "We started rebounding very well and that was the key to the game."

Down 53-43 in the third quarter and without a point in nearly six minutes, the Mustangs went to work on the defensive end, keeping Arkansas-Fort Smith without a point for nearly four minutes. The Mustangs parlayed their defensive prowess into a 14-4 run to tie the game at 57-57 heading into the fourth.

"We had a stretch at the beginning of the third quarter where we scored just two points in over six minutes," senior forward Elizabeth Cathcart said. "This time, we didn't go their tempo and we slowed things down. I think our defense was a lot better."

The teams traded baskets early in the fourth quarter until Cathcart hit a pair of free throws with 4:53 remaining to give MSU Texas a 68-66 lead. The Mustangs scored the next five points, highlighted by a Mica Schneider three that pushed the lead to seven at 73-66. The Lions would get no closer than four points the rest of the way.

Schneider continued her torrid pace, finishing with 21 points. It marked the third straight game the senior has scored at least 20. Hannah Reynolds added 12 points and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line while Cathcart knocked in 11 points and grabbed four rebounds.

Mar'Shalia Lollie scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to secure a double-double for the Lions. 

MSU Texas finishes off the home portion of their schedule on Saturday with a senior day showdown against Oklahoma Christian. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.