WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Orlando Horton, Jr. hit two free throws in the waning seconds, and Midwestern State (5-10, 3-5 ) secured a narrow 70-68 victory over West Texas A&M (14-5, 6-3) on Saturday at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. This victory ended a seven-game losing streak for the Mustangs and continued their recent success against the Buffaloes, having won three of their last four meetings.
The game started with
Tehshaundre Cole putting the Mustangs on the board first with a layup at the 19:12 mark. West Texas A&M quickly responded with Zach Brown's three-pointer, tying the game. Both teams traded baskets throughout the half, with multiple lead changes and ties, highlighted by
Jonathan Jackson's 3-pointer and later, his defensive rebound and subsequent free throws in the final seconds. MSU concluded the first half with a narrow 38-35 lead, thanks in part to their six steals and a balanced scoring effort.
The Mustangs trailed by one point going into the second half but quickly regained the lead with a jumper by Charles McClennahan Jr. at 18:14. West Texas A&M responded, with Fontaine Williams hitting a 3-pointer to tie the game early in the half. MSU's
Davyon Butler and Cole combined for a series of layups to extend their lead to 46-42.
Midwestern State led by 53-44 after DeCannon Wesley's slam dunk with 12:38 remaining in the game, but West Texas A&M stormed back and took a five-point lead with 58 seconds remaining in the game. The Mustangs closed out the game on a 7-0 run and took the lead after Wesley stole the ball, and Horton hit his first two free throws of the game, securing a 70-68 win for the Maroon & Gold.
Midwestern St. Top Performers
- 18 points
- 6/6 field goals made
- 4/4 three-pointers made
- 6 rebounds
- 13 points
- 4 assists
- 2 steals
- 11 points
- 3 steals
- 2 blocks
- 9 points
- 7 rebounds
- 1 block
- 8 points
- 2 steals
- 4 rebounds
The next challenge for MSU comes Thursday, Jan. 22, as they travel to face DBU at the Burg Center in Dallas, Texas. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
