WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- Midwestern State overcame a 17-point deficit in the first half to claim its first postseason win in six years beating UT Tyler 66-62 Tuesday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

The Mustangs (15-14) move on to face Dallas Baptist in the LSC Postseason Tournament quarterfinals Thursday afternoon at Comerica Center in Frisco. Tipoff is set for noon.

UT Tyler closes its first season as a full NCAA Division II member at 16-9.

QUOTE BOARD

Luke Hamilton on breaking out with a season-high five 3-pointers
"The atmosphere was great. Every single time one went in, the whole place was going crazy. I have been working with one of our coaches every single day getting the footwork right, getting the shot right and making sure the release point is good. Tonight, it paid off."

Justin Leslie on facing a big first-half deficit Tuesday night against UT Tyler
"I didn't see a 17-point deficit coming. Nothing was working. They were really in a rhythm attacking us. Our offense was doing nothing for us. We found a lineup that was working to close out that first half and get us back into striking distance."

Justin Leslie on second-half changes
"I started calling some man plays to run against a zone just to really get them distorted to where we could attack. Terrell (Wilson) and Luke (Hamilton) were able to shake loose on that. We got a couple of easy layups and it was exciting to see us finally make some basketball plays."

TURNING POINT

Midwestern State trimmed 10 points off of UT Tyler's largest lead of the game before halftime.

The Patriots exploded out to a 25-8 lead at the 9:54 mark of the first half after Paul Djoko finished off an 15-2 run with a 3-pointer from the right wing.

Midwestern State senior Luke Hamilton buried three of his season-high five 3-pointers to help the Mustangs outscore the Patriots 22-12 over the remainder of the half.

The Mustangs took their first lead of the game on Hamilton's fourth triple for a 45-43 advantage with 13:58 to play.

Hamilton's fifth 3-pointer tied the game at 62-62 with 1:15 to play and ignited a 7-0 run for the Mustangs to close out the game.

LEADERS

- Midwestern State junior Terrell Wilson, who averaged 22 points in three games against UT Tyler this season, hit four 3-pointers to finish with a team-high 20 points. It was his fourth game with at least 20 points this season and second against the Patriots.
- Senior forward Luke Hamilton hit five 3-pointers and made four big steals on the defensive end of the floor finishing with a season-high 15 points.
- UT Tyler senior Micah Fuller scored seven of his game-high 23 points in the final 3 1/2 minutes.

NOTABLES

- Midwestern State claimed its first postseason win since winning its seventh LSC Postseason Tournament title in 2016.
- Midwestern State extended its home court winning streak to seven games.
- The Mustangs have won four straight, seven of their last eight and nine of their last 11.
- Midwestern State improved to 29-13 (.690) in its 21st Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament appearance.
- Midwestern State coach Justin Leslie claimed his 300th career win in his 15th season as a collegiate head coach.

UP NEXT

Midwestern State takes on Dallas Baptist in the Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament quarterfinal round Thursday afternoon at Comerica Center in Frisco. Tipoff is set for noon.