WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (2-3, 1-0) defeated Angelo State (1-5, 0-1 Lone Star), 65-58, on Wednesday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, capitalizing on 16 steals to secure the win.
The game commenced with a free throw from Taylor Grona putting Angelo St. on the scoreboard. MSU responded with a pair of free throws by
Ta'Leeyah Glynn, establishing an early lead.
Kerbie Cash further extended the lead for the Maroon & Gold with a three-pointer at 7:25, assisted by Glynn. Angelo St. struggled with turnovers, committing 10 in the quarter, while MSU capitalized on these opportunities, leading 15-7 at the end of the first quarter, following two late free throws by Cash.
Angelo State narrowed the gap in the second quarter, outscoring MSU 15-12. Glynn initiated the scoring for the home team with a jumper at 9:10, while
Calyssa Sevier added a fast-break layup shortly after. Cash contributed defensively with a block and multiple defensive rebounds, also scoring two free throws at 8:06. Angelo State's Landry Morrow responded with a fast-break layup at 7:58, assisted by Majik Esquivel, who later made a crucial three-pointer at 2:25. Keniah Williams scored a layup, assisted by Esquivel, at 1:04, helping Angelo State close the quarter on a strong note.
Esquivel was instrumental in the third quarter, scoring a layup and two three-pointers, including one at 6:16, to tie the game, 32-32. MSU responded with Cash's key contributions, including a layup at 1:05 assisted by
Carisa Cortez, to help the Mustangs maintain a narrow lead. Sevier's tip-in and subsequent free throw with 30 seconds remaining gave MSU a 44-40 edge. Grona's layup for Angelo State brought them within two points, closing the quarter 44-42 in favor of the home team.
The fourth quarter began with Angelo State tying the game at 44-44 thanks to a layup by Williams, assisted by Kenna Wood. The Mustangs responded with strong defensive efforts, including a pivotal block by
Macie Upshaw that set the stage for a momentum shift.
Veonce Powell's three-pointer at 6:14 gave MSU a 48-47 lead, which they extended with free throws and a layup from Cash. Despite a late push from Angelo State, highlighted by Williams' offensive rebound and tip-in with 19 seconds left, MSU maintained control. Cortez's free throws with 8 seconds remaining iced the game, sealing a 65-58 victory for the Mustangs.
Cash led the team with 23 points, connecting on 7 of 16 field goals and two 3-pointers, while adding nine rebounds and four steals. Glynn contributed 16 points, making 7 of 8 free throws and recording four steals. Upshaw was effective defensively, tallying five steals and two blocks, alongside six rebounds. Cortez made an impact at the free-throw line, converting 6 of 8 attempts and adding two assists.
Williams led with 17 points, shooting 8 of 12 from the field and contributing nine rebounds. Grona added 11 points, capitalizing on seven of eight free throws and recording three steals. Esquivel matched with 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and blocked two shots. Morrow collected 11 rebounds and dished out three assists.
This victory marked Midwestern's first win in a conference opener since the 2020-21 season and snapped a three-game losing streak. The Mustangs have won three of their last four meetings with the Rambelles.
In their next game, MSU will host UT Permian Basin on Friday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. The matchup will take place at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
