WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- In a sense, Midwestern State's formula for victory is simple. Created more shots and offensive opportunities than the opponent.
 
Typically, the Mustangs accomplish it by controlling the glass particularly on the offensive end.
 
It wasn't that way Thursday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, but it didn't matter. MSU rocked UT Permian Basin 88-63 to keep Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament hopes alive.
 
"One of our main keys was controlling the possession battle," Midwestern State coach Justin Leslie said. "We needed to have more offensive rebounds and less turnovers."
 
The Mustangs failed to accomplish the former as the Falcons became just the second opponent to win the battle on the boards this season. But MSU certainly controlled the latter committing a season low five turnovers with two of those coming in the final three minutes of the game.
 
"In the first half, we shot the ball well then in the second half we executed on the end of the floor," Leslie said.
 
In fact, the Mustangs finished the night shooting 50.8 percent from the floor and nailed 16 3-pointers to parlay an advantage of eight more field-goal attempts into a 25-point run away.
 
Junior guard Trae Jones led the way with 15 points burying three triples of his own, but he was even more proud of making three steals.
 
"I feel like I am an energy guy," he said. "If I can come in a get a steal that feels just as good as hitting a 3. I am taking pride in my defense."
 
Jones was one of five Mustangs in double figures with junior Jermane Carter finishing a rebound shy of his second consecutive double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds. He also chipped in four assists.
 
Junior Luke Hamilton drilled four 3-pointers to also finish with 14 points, while freshmen Rommell Williams and Pierre Sanders chipped in two triples and 12 points each.
 
"We came out and played with a whole lot of energy," Jones said. "We just wanted to show the fans what we're made of."
 
Midwestern State can clinch a berth in next week's LSC Postseason Tournament with a win over UT Permian Basin Saturday afternoon in Odessa coupled with one win by either Oklahoma Christian over St. Mary's or by Arkansas-Fort Smith over St. Edward's.
 
"We need to go 1-0 two this week," Leslie said. "Tonight, I was pleased with how we played. It was unfortunate that we had the COVID pause, but we have played defensively the last three games."
 
The Mustangs (10-7) clinched their first winning ledger since posting a 24-6 mark when the 2015-16 squad hosted the South Central Regional.
 
Senior Trevion Lamar logged 20 points and nine rebounds to pace the Falcons, who dropped their fourth straight game to fall to 8-10.
 
MSU and UTPB tipoff Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. in the Falcon Dome.