WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (1-3) fell to East Central (4-0), 59-38, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Saturday. The Mustangs were unable to overcome East Central's 32 points in the paint and a 40-31 rebounding deficit.
The game began with East Central taking an early lead as Claira Dannefer scored a layup just 20 seconds into play. East Central maintained their advantage through the quarter, highlighted by a layup from Natalie Milwood at 1:50, assisted by Jayden Weiberg. MSU responded with a three-pointer from
Carisa Cortez at 1:23 to cut the deficit.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn added a point with a free throw at 26 seconds, bringing the Mustangs within one point. The first quarter concluded with East Central holding a narrow 7-6 lead over the Maroon & Gold.
East Central gained momentum early in the second quarter with Jayden Weiberg's three-pointer, assisted by Natalie Milwood, at 9:29. MSU responded with back-to-back three-pointers from
Carisa Cortez, narrowing the gap to 16-14. Despite efforts from the Mustangs, East Central maintained their edge, with a late layup by Ella Lavigne extending their lead to 22-18.
Saylor Upshaw made two free throws for the home team in the final minute, but East Central closed the quarter ahead, 15-12.
East Central extended their lead in the third quarter, starting with Katie Edelen's layup at 8:50, assisted by Claira Dannefer, to put them ahead 24-18. Rylie Burnett and Eva Fernandez contributed with consecutive layups, increasing the margin to 28-19. Midwestern State's
Ta'Leeyah Glynn cut into the lead with a three-pointer at 4:54, assisted by
Macie Upshaw. However, East Central maintained control, highlighted by Jayden Weiberg's three-pointer at 3:02. Ella Lavigne's two free throws with 1:59 remaining capped the quarter, putting East Central up 38-24 before
Alyssa Hutterer responded with a three-pointer for the Maroon & Gold, ending the quarter at 38-27.
East Central dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 21-11. Claira Dannefer was key for East Central, starting with a layup at 9:51 to extend their lead to 40-27. MSU's
Carisa Cortez responded with a layup at 9:03, but East Central maintained momentum. Jayden Weiberg's consecutive three-pointers at 5:05 and 4:34 pushed the score to 50-34, solidifying their control. Despite efforts from the Mustangs, including a late tip-in by
Macie Upshaw, East Central concluded the quarter ahead, with Natalie Milwood's layups sealing a 59-38 victory.
Carisa Cortez scored 11 points and made three 3-pointers.
Catalina Cortez added three steals and contributed two points.
Macie Upshaw posted eight rebounds and recorded two steals.
Katy Greathouse delivered two blocks and collected two steals before leaving the game with an injury.
Jayden Weiberg led East Central with 15 points, converting all five of his 3-point attempts and contributing three assists. Katie Edelen secured eight rebounds, including five offensive, and added five points. Ella Lavigne was a defensive force with three steals and five total rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will take on Angelo State in the conference opener at home on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
