WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- Close games have doomed Midwestern State all season long.
And UT Permian Basin delivered another heartbreaking loss as Taysha Rushton poured in a game-high 26 points to lead the Falcons to a 73-70 win Thursday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
The Mustangs (11-13, 9-9) had four players score in double figures, led by Zarria Carter, who had 20 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Kerbie Cash added 16 points and seven rebounds, and Calyssa Sevier chipped in with 15 points and two steals.
UT Permian Basin improved to 13-11 on the season, while moving to 11-7 in Lone Star Conference play.
How It Happened
Midwestern State battled back from a nine-point deficit in the first half and claimed its biggest lead of the game with Alyssa Hutterer buried a 3-pointer for a 59-56 lead with 8:07 remaining in the fourth period.
But the Falcons got a pair of clutch triples from Morgan Helgesen and Avalon Munoz sandwiched around a driving layup by Rushton to a take a 72-68 lead with 16 seconds remaining.
The Mustangs managed a jumper in the lane by Zarria Carter before Munoz put the game away with a free throw with a second left.
Midwestern State shot 46.6 percent from the field against UT Permian Basin's swarming zone defense, but were unable to take advantage of opportunities at the free throw line as the Mustangs connected on 10-of-18 shots from the charity stripe.
Game Notes
» Zarria Carter led the Mustangs with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field. She also grabbed nine rebounds. It was her 13th game with at least 20 points.
» MSU freshman Kerbie Cash scored 12 of her 16 points in the first half, while also accounting for seven rebounds before fouling out in 35 minutes on the floor.
» Midwestern State frosh Calyssa Sevier delivered her fifth double-figure performance of the season, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting with two 3-pointers.
» Junior Alyssa Hutterer knocked down a season-high four triples to match her campaign best with 13 points.
» MSU freshman Carisa Cortez dished out a season-high nine assists and made two turnovers in 34 minutes of playing time.
» UT Permian Basin senior Taysha Rushton logged at least 20 points in her fourth-straight game. She made 9-of-19 shots with three 3-pointers for a game-high 26 points. It was her seventh game of the season with 20-or-more points.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
