WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- Texas Woman's established a 23-7 lead in the first quarter on Thursday night, and the Mustangs wanted to get off to a better start against UT Tyler at D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
After
Keara Felix scored on a fast break with 2:46 to play in the first quarter, MSU was tied with the Patriots, 14-14. By the end of the period, UT Tyler led 21-16 and pulled away for a 77-58 victory.
Kertisa Amos scored 10 of her 14 points in the first quarter for the Mustangs.
Nikki Green was the leading scorer for MSU with 16 points.
Zarria Carter was 5 of 8 from the floor and scored 10 points in the loss.
Midwestern State outrebounded the Patriots, 40-37, and 17 offensive rebounds led to 12 second-chance points.
Makayla Coy pulled down nine rebounds, while Amos and Carter each had seven boards.
The Mustangs trailed by 16 points at halftime and cut the deficit in half during the third quarter. Green hit a 3-pointer with 5:42 to play in the period, and MSU trailed, 50-42. The Patriots closed out the third quarter on a 13-2 run and held a 63-44 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Both teams scored 14 points in the final period. Green had eight fourth-quarter points for MSU, but the Patriots staved off the Mustangs.
UT Tyler outscored Midwestern State in the paint, 42-20, and finished the game with five blocks and 11 steals.
Martina Machalova led the Patriots with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, and Ella Bradley was 6 of 9 from the field on her way to 16 points.
UT Tyler won its fourth straight game and improved to 6-3 overall with a 2-0 conference record.
The Patriots have won their last five encounters with the Mustangs, and the all-time series is tied, 5-5.
Midwestern State falls to 0-8 overall and is 0-2 in conference play as it travels to play St. Mary's in San Antonio on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
--MSUMustangs.com--
