WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (4-10, 1-7 ) fell to No. 7-ranked West Texas A&M (17-1, 9-0), 78-65, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Saturday. The Lady Buffs extended their winning streak to 17 games and improved to 7-0 on the road.
The first quarter started with the Maroon & Gold taking an early lead after
Kerbie Cash sank a layup.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn followed with a fast-break layup, assisted by Cash, extending the Mustangs' lead to 4-0. West Texas A&M responded as Taytum Bell scored a layup at 7:07, assisted by Taylor Haggan, tying the game at 4-4. The visitors then took control, with Henley West scoring two consecutive baskets, putting West Tex. A&M ahead 14-5.
Carisa Cortez hit a jumper and a 3-pointer in the final minutes, cutting MSU's deficit to 14-10 by the end of the quarter.
West Texas A&M extended their lead with a strong performance in the second quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 24-16. Karley Motschenbacher set up a 3-pointer for Randi Harding at 8:12, giving the visiting team an early boost. Kyla Kane was pivotal, adding another 3-pointer at 6:25 and closing the quarter with a defensive rebound in the final seconds.
Kerbie Cash made a notable contribution, scoring from the free-throw line and securing several layups, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. The quarter ended with West Texas A&M leading 38-26.
In the third quarter, West Texas A&M maintained their lead with a strong performance in the paint, scoring 16 points from close range. Taylor Haggan contributed significantly, scoring a layup at 9:13 and following with two free throws at 8:53, pushing the visitors' score to 42-26. MSU's
Ta'Leeyah Glynn responded with a free throw and layup, while
Calyssa Sevier added a 3-pointer at 6:25, narrowing the gap to 49-34. Despite the home team's efforts, including a layup by
Carisa Cortez at 2:50, West Tex. A&M closed the quarter ahead 59-45, with Randi Harding's layup sealing the quarter at 22 seconds.
In the fourth quarter, West Texas A&M secured a decisive victory over the Mustangs, despite a late push by the home team. Taytum Bell led the scoring early in the quarter with a layup and free throw, putting West Texas A&M ahead 62-45 at 9:20. MSU responded with free throws from
Kerbie Cash and DaLonna Choice, but West Tex. A&M maintained control. A notable play came from Zoey McBroom, who hit a crucial 3-pointer at 3:28, extending the lead to 75-55. Although MSU outscored West Texas A&M 20-19 in the quarter, West Texas A&M's strong start in the quarter ensured their victory.
Kerbie Cash scored 22 points and recorded four steals, leading the Mustangs in both categories.
Calyssa Sevier added 14 points, including two 3-pointers.
Macie Upshaw posted a double-double with 11 rebounds and two blocks.
Carisa Cortez contributed 10 points and two assists.
Randi Harding led West Texas A&M with 12 points, shooting 5 of 12 from the field, and contributing four assists and two steals. Kyla Kane added 14 points, making 6 of 12 attempts, including two 3-pointers, and recorded two blocks. Taylor Haggan also scored 14 points, hitting 6 of 11 shots, while pulling down seven rebounds. Henley West was perfect from the field, scoring 12 points on 6 of 6 shooting and adding six rebounds and two blocks.
In their next game, the Mustangs will travel to face Texas Woman's on Thursday, Jan. 22. The matchup is set for 6 p.m. at Kitty Magee Arena in Denton, Texas.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
