WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State fell to Eastern New Mexico, 66-54, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, despite a strong 24-for-31 performance at the free-throw line. ENMU capitalized on turnovers, scoring 21 points off 22 MSU giveaways.
Midwestern State opened its home game against Eastern New Mexico with a three-pointer from
Ta'Leeyah Glynn at 9:10, assisted by
Carisa Cortez. Both teams exchanged leads multiple times throughout the first quarter, marked by strong performances from players on each side. Aaliyah Smith of Eastern New Mexico contributed with key plays, including a layup at 7:31, while Glynn responded with another critical basket for the Mustangs.
Veonce Powell's three-pointer at 2:35 helped push the Mustangs ahead, and they maintained their lead to close the quarter at 21-19.
Eastern New Mexico gained momentum early in the second quarter, capitalizing on MSU's turnovers. Ashala Moseberry's layup at 9:40 and a quick follow-up by Chloe Dallas at 8:54 highlighted Eastern New Mexico's fast break opportunities, putting them ahead 23-21. MSU struggled with ball control, committing several turnovers, which Eastern New Mexico converted into points. Moseberry further extended the lead with a three-pointer at 3:38, assisted by Jaz Salon, pushing the score to 30-24. Despite a late three-pointer by
Kerbie Cash, who recorded her second straight double-double and third of the season, Eastern New Mexico maintained a 36-31 lead at the end of the quarter.
Eastern New Mexico extended their lead in the third quarter with an early surge, quickly moving ahead 38-31 with a fastbreak layup by Mekhila Brown at the 9:41 mark. MSU responded with a jumper from Cash, assisted by
Calyssa Sevier, to cut the deficit to 38-33. However, Eastern New Mexico maintained momentum with consecutive layups, including one by Aaliyah Smith, pushing their advantage to 42-33. The Mustangs struggled offensively, shooting just 2-of-16 from the field, despite Cash's efforts, including a three-pointer with 3:10 remaining. Eastern New Mexico ended the quarter leading 45-36.
Eastern New Mexico maintained their lead throughout the final quarter, securing a 66-54 victory over the Maroon & Gold. Mekhila Brown was instrumental with a tip-in at 8:59 and a defensive rebound at 8:22. Chloe Dallas added to their momentum with a layup at 8:18, assisted by Aaliyah Smith. MSU struggled offensively, shooting 14.3 percent from the field in the quarter but managed to keep pace at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 13 attempts. Glynn scored a layup at 4:24 and contributed at the free-throw line, but the team could not close the gap.
Kerbie Cash led the team with 21 points and collected 13 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive end. Glynn contributed 13 points and recorded two steals while also adding five rebounds. Cortez tallied nine points and made seven free throws, finishing with eight rebounds. Sevier scored six points, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed nine rebounds.
Chloe Dallas led Eastern New Mexico with 17 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the field, and added two steals. Moseberry contributed a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while also leading the team with five steals. Aaliyah Smith facilitated the offense with five assists and scored 10 points, including two 3-pointers. Julieta Ceja played a key defensive role with seven rebounds and two steals. Toyah Montgomery bolstered the defense with three blocks and eight rebounds.
With this win, Eastern New Mexico extended their impressive streak to 15 consecutive Lone Star Conference regular season victories and has also won its last six meetings with Midwestern State.
The next challenge for the Mustangs is a home game against West Texas A&M on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. The matchup will take place at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Game Notes:
- Eastern New Mexico has won its last six meetings with Midwestern State.
- Midwestern State leads the all-time series against Eastern New Mexico, 31-29.
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Kerbie Cash had her second straight double-double and her third of the season for Midwestern State.
--MSU Mustangs.com--
