AUSTIN -- It may not be apparent in the final score, but Midwestern State found success in Thursday night's 124-52 exhibition loss to No. 14-ranked Texas at Moody Center.

"We weren't going to play the scoreboard," MSU first-year coach Brenita Jackson said. "We were going to focus on us being tough, executing, and trying to get better at the little details."

Jackson wanted to see her team come out and show fight against one of the top teams in the Big XII. That's exactly what the Mustangs displayed on the way to scoring double figures in three of the four periods.

The Longhorns have proven to be adept on the defensive end of the floor under coach Vic Schaefer. In fact, UT held the opposition to fewer than 10 points a total of 26 times last season.

"Just to see (the girls) come out against a team of this caliber and play with that kind of heart and energy. I can't be anything but proud," Jackson said. "They are a really good defensive team. I love they way they get after teams. To see that up close is a really good teaching tool."

The Mustangs also showed grit on the defensive end, while forcing Texas into miscues of its own.

"I think that's pretty good to force a Big Xii team into 18 turnovers," Jackson said.

The Longhorns were able create space with a 41-5 explosion in the second period.

Taylor Jones, a 6-4 transfer from Oregon State, led a group of six 'Horns in double figures, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the floor to finish with 22 points and seven rebounds.

Texas' edge in size and athleticism was apparent through a 52-22 edge on the glass due in part to Khadija Faye's double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Junior transfer Nikki Green led the Mustangs with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting with a pair of 3-pointers, while Jaida Gomez, a freshman from Pflugerville, also connected on two triples to finish with 10 points.

Senior Makayla Coy also pitched in nine points.

Midwestern State opens the regular season with the Ashbrook Comfort Inn Suites Conference Challenge Friday morning at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tipoff against UC Colorado Springs is set for 11:30 a.m.
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