EDMOND, Okla. — Midwestern State (2-5, 1-2) fell to Oklahoma Christian (5-5, 1-3), 75-62, despite forcing 25 turnovers and scoring 27 points off those opportunities.
Midwestern State started the first quarter with a free throw from
Veonce Powell, taking an early 1-0 lead. Oklahoma Christian quickly responded with a layup by Kenzie Willis, and Taylor Jackson extended the lead with a three-pointer at 6:40, making it 9-5. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, which contributed to their trailing position. Allyah Leusogi-Ape's fast break layup and free throw with 1:17 left increased Oklahoma Christian's advantage, leading to a 25-12 score at the end of the first quarter.
Midwestern State made a significant push in the second quarter, outscoring Oklahoma Christian 21-18.
Kerbie Cash was instrumental, scoring a 3-pointer at 6:48, followed by a layup and free throw at 5:02 to narrow the gap. Powell added to the effort with a jumper and a free throw at 4:36, bringing the score to 29-24. Despite their efforts, Oklahoma Christian maintained a lead, with Leusogi-Ape's 3-pointer and free throw at 3:48 helping them edge out the quarter. The quarter concluded with Oklahoma Christian ahead 43-33.
Midwestern State struggled to find their rhythm early in the third quarter, with Powell's three-pointer at 9:30 marking their first points of the quarter. Despite defensive efforts, including four steals, MSU could not close the gap against Oklahoma Christian, who capitalized on their opportunities in the paint. Jackson led Oklahoma Christian's charge, scoring multiple layups and adding a free throws late in the quarter to help her team maintain the lead. The quarter concluded with Oklahoma Christian ahead, 61-47, after Sofia Lopez sank two free throws with five seconds remaining.
Midwestern State attempted to close the gap in the fourth quarter with
Carisa Cortez making both free throws at 9:42 and a fastbreak jumper at 6:11. Powell contributed with a defensive rebound and a jumper at 0:38. However, Okla. Christian maintained their lead, with Willis scoring a layup off an assist from Sophie Bennett at 7:33 and Faith Ford making crucial free throws with 31 seconds remaining, securing a 75-62 victory. The Maroon & Gold's defense showed resilience with three steals in the quarter, but they struggled with turnovers, committing six in the final quarter.
Cash led the team with 21 points, converting 7 of 17 field goals and 6 of 8 free throws.
Macie Upshaw grabbed 12 rebounds and added nine points. Powell contributed 13 points and dished out two assists.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn added four steals and scored eight points.
Jackson led the Eagles with 22 points, making 8 of 11 field goals and securing nine rebounds. Leusogi-Ape contributed 16 points, hitting 6 of 8 shots and grabbing seven rebounds. Willis added 15 points, converting 6 of 11 attempts. Bennett facilitated the offense with seven assists, while Lopez made all six of her free throw attempts and scored 10 points.
In their next game, the Mustangs will travel to face P.R.-Rio Piedras on Thursday, Dec. 18. Tipoff is set for 8 a.m. in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
