WICHITA FALLS, TX -- Will Shepherd hit a 3-pointer, blocked a shot and hit two free throws in the final minute to help Midwestern State secure a 63-58 victory over West Texas A&M at D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. The Mustangs swept the season series with the Buffaloes for the first time in nine seasons.
Shepherd broke a 56-56 tie with a 3-pointer from the right corner with 51 seconds remaining and denied Narit Chotikavanic a drive to the basket with 11 seconds remaining before icing the victory with a pair of free throws.
Midwestern State improved its overall record to 15-5 overall and has a 10-4 conference record.
Mason Gibson was the leading scorer for the Mustangs with 18 points, and Pierre Sanders finished with 12 to lead the Mustangs offensive attack. Gibson also led the team with three steals, and Sanders finished with two takeaways.
Reggie Hill matched a career high with 14 rebounds and had two steals for the Mustangs, who finished with nine steals and forced 12 turnovers.
Midwestern State's defense held West Texas A&M to only 17.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc (6-of-35) and 32.2 percent from the field (19-of-59).
How It Happened
After falling behind 4-2, Midwestern State went on a 7-0 run with 16:27 left in the first half to take a 9-4 lead. The Mustangs then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 36-29.
After intermission, Midwestern State came back to even it up at 56-56 before going on a 7-0 run to seize a 63-56 lead with 10 seconds to go in the contest. The Buffaloes narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Mustangs still held on for the 63-58 win. Midwestern State capitalized on seven West Texas A&M turnovers in the period, collecting nine points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» Midwestern State outscored WT in the second half 34-22.
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Will Shepherd scored seven of his nine points in the second half for the Mustangs.
» Amir McMillian was 0-for-12 from 3-point range for the Buffaloes but finished with 13 points.
» Jailyn Sledge was 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and scored 13 points for the Buffaloes.
» West Texas A&M outrebounded MSU, 41-35.
» West Texas A&M is 13-8 overall with an 8-7 conference record.
» Midwestern State is 24-12 when hosting West Texas A&M.
» Buffaloes lead the all-time series, 47-36.
» Midwestern State travels to Sul Ross State for a Thursday night game. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
