EDMOND, Okla. — Midwestern State (1-1, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to Central Oklahoma (1-2, 0-0 Mid-America Intercollegiate), 65-52, at Hamilton Field House, despite six blocks and eight steals. Central Oklahoma capitalized with 38 paint points to secure the victory.
The game began with Kaitlyn McCarn scoring a layup for Central Oklahoma, putting them on the board first. The Mustangs responded with a tip-in by
Caelyn Williams at 8:47 to tie the score. Central Oklahoma then took a slight lead with Olivia Quapaw's three-pointer, assisted by McCarn, at 8:32.
Macie Upshaw narrowed the margin with a layup at 4:53, but Central Oklahoma maintained their advantage. The home team extended their lead with a three-pointer from Kendrick Bailey at 2:15, assisted by HaNiya Geretta. Despite a late jumper by
Katy Greathouse with 24 seconds remaining, Central Oklahoma ended the first quarter ahead, 16-11.
MSU struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the second quarter, converting only 4 of 19 field goal attempts.
Veonce Powell provided a spark with two 3-pointers, the first at 8:40, to keep the visitors within reach. However, Central Oklahoma capitalized on their opportunities, shooting 50% from the field and securing a 17-13 advantage in the quarter. Jerney Bennett was instrumental for Central Oklahoma, contributing a key layup with 44 seconds left and a defensive rebound that set up Bobbie Fouquet's buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end the quarter, extending their lead to 33-24.
Central Oklahoma dominated the third quarter, extending their lead with a strong performance. Bobbie Fouquet opened with a layup just 29 seconds into the quarter, assisted by Peyton Walker. The Maroon & Gold struggled offensively, shooting only 11.1% from the field. Olivia Quapaw contributed significantly for Central Oklahoma, adding points from both the paint and free-throw line, while Jerney Bennett and Nykaiya Dillard capitalized on fast breaks to widen the gap. The quarter ended with Central Oklahoma leading 54-32, outscoring the Mustangs 21-8 in the period.
Central Oklahoma maintained a strong lead throughout the fourth quarter, ultimately securing a 65-52 victory over the Mustangs. MSU's
Carisa Cortez hit a jumper early in the quarter, cutting the deficit to 54-36. Later,
Briann Warehime and
Katy Greathouse combined for a late surge, with Greathouse hitting a fastbreak jumper at the 1:35 mark and Warehime sinking a 3-pointer with 1:08 remaining. Despite the Mustangs' efforts, Central Oklahoma's Madison Roberts and Kaitlyn McCarn contributed key points, with McCarn's three-pointer at 4:33 helping to maintain their lead.
Macie Upshaw posted a personal best with 11 rebounds and six points while also contributing three blocks and three steals. Greathouse led the team in scoring with 12 points, converting all four attempts from the free-throw line. C. Williams recorded five rebounds and added four points, along with two steals. Cortez contributed nine points and added one block in her performance.
Jerney Bennett led Central Oklahoma with a standout performance, scoring nine points while contributing significantly on defense with six blocks and two steals. McCarn added 10 points, connecting on two 3-pointers, and also pulled down seven rebounds. Quapaw tallied nine points and was active defensively with two steals and three assists. Geretta provided support with three assists and two steals, despite scoring two points.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will host Southeastern Oklahoma State on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The matchup is set for 6 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.
