WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (2-4, 1-1) fell to UT Permian Basin (4-4, 1-1), 68-45, as the visitors dominated with a 40-14 advantage in the paint. The Mustangs recorded 10 steals and 14 second-chance points but could not overcome an early deficit.
The game commenced with UT Permian Basin taking an early lead, as Kenadi Rising hit a three-pointer within the first minute. Rising continued to dominate the scoring, contributing a layup and later a tip-in, helping her team establish a 22-7 advantage by the end of the quarter. MSU struggled with shooting, connecting on only 3-of-13 attempts from the field.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn scored a three-pointer, and
Kerbie Cash added a layup, but UT Permian Basin's strong rebounding and defense, highlighted by Juliet Esomchukwu's six offensive boards, maintained their control throughout the quarter.
The Maroon & Gold struggled against UT Permian Basin in the second quarter, with the visitors outscoring them 15-11.
Veonce Powell started the scoring for MSU with an early jumper, bringing the score to 22-9. However, UT Permian Basin responded with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Mikalah Buckley at 8:15, which extended their lead. Despite a defensive effort that included three steals, the Mustangs couldn't close the gap significantly, as the visitors capitalized on points in the paint and free throws to maintain their advantage.
Carisa Cortez ended the quarter with a jumper, but UT Permian Basin held a 37-18 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, UT Permian Basin extended their lead with a 17-10 run over MSU. Jasmin Holt initiated the surge with a three-pointer at 6:59, bringing the score to 44-21. Glynn responded for MSU with a three-pointer at 9:04, but UT Permian Basin's aggressive play in the paint, including a fast-break layup by Jonesha Neal with 39 seconds remaining, kept their advantage secure. Powell contributed with a jumper and an assist, yet the Mustangs struggled to keep pace, ending the quarter trailing 54-28.
MSU's fourth quarter opened with a three-pointer from Glynn at 9:46, narrowing the deficit. Cash quickly followed with a steal and a fast-break layup, adding momentum for the home team.
Saylor Upshaw contributed a layup at 8:23 to further close the gap on UT Permian Basin. Despite these efforts, UT Permian Basin maintained their lead, with Rising scoring a critical layup and free throw at 4:10, extending their advantage. The quarter concluded with a score of 68-45 in favor of the visitors, despite MSU's 17-point effort in the period.
Glynn scored 15 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Powell collected eight rebounds and added six points.
Macie Upshaw contributed six rebounds and two steals. Cash finished with six points and tallied three steals.
Rising led the team with 19 points and added eight rebounds, including four offensive boards. She also contributed two steals and made two 3-pointers. Holt was active on defense, recording two steals while posting nine points and six rebounds. Ja'Nya Thomas efficiently scored nine points on 4-for-6 shooting, and she dished out three assists.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face Oklahoma Christian on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. The game will take place at the Payne Athletic Center in Edmond, Oklahoma.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
