STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Midwestern St. (2-3, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to Tarleton St. (5-3, 0-0 WAC), 67-57, in a Division I exhibition on Saturday night at the EECU Center.
Midwestern St. led by 11 points at halftime, but Tarleton St. outscored them 42-21 in the second half, capitalizing on 30 turnovers by the Mustangs.
The game commenced with
Terrance Ramirez scoring an early jumper for Midwestern St. at the 19:30 mark, setting the tone for a competitive first half. Freddy Hicks quickly tied the game for Tarleton St. with a layup. Despite a series of turnovers from both teams, MSU gradually pulled ahead, thanks in part to a fastbreak 3-pointer by Ramirez at 11:59, giving them a three-point lead.
Orlando Horton, Jr. contributed significantly in the latter stages, scoring consecutive free throws and a layup, which helped the Maroon & Gold to a 36-25 lead by the end of the first half.
Midwestern State began the second half with a layup from
Charles McClennahan, Jr. to extend their lead to 38-25. Tarleton State's Freddy Hicks responded with a pair of free throws at the 17:59 mark, narrowing the gap. Despite a strong defensive effort by the Mustangs, including a block by
DaCannon Wesley, Tarleton State capitalized on turnovers, with Cam McDowell's layup at 10:33 contributing to their momentum. Jordan Mizell sealed the half with a layup, assisted by Kade Douglas, securing a 67-57 victory for Tarleton State.
Horton Jr. led the team with 18 points, converting 6 of 7 free throws and finding three steals. Wesley collected 10 rebounds and posted two blocks. Ramirez contributed nine points and recorded two steals.
Davyon Butler added 10 points and finished with five rebounds.
Jordan Mizell led with 14 points and five steals, despite six turnovers, for the Texans. Freddy Hicks contributed 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds, adding two steals. Leroy Kelly IV recorded five points and four steals. Cam McDowell added 13 points, hitting four of nine field goals and securing five rebounds. Andy Sigiscar was perfect from the field, going 3-for-3, and blocked two shots.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face Angelo State on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. CT to begin Lone Star Conference action. The game will take place at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.
