SAN ANTONIO — Midwestern State (4-7, 2-2 Lone Star) fell to #20 St. Mary's (10-2, 3-1 Lone Star) in a narrow 88-85 defeat on Friday night at Bill Greehey Arena. The Mustangs scored 46 points in the second half, but a three-pointer with less than a second to go doomed MSU to a road loss.
The game began with Midwestern State's
Terrance Ramirez hitting an early three-pointer assisted by
Charles McClennahan, Jr. The Rattlers responded quickly with a three-pointer from Damani Claxton, leveling the score. Midway through the half, St. Mary's built momentum with a series of successful shots, including a dunk by JJ Walton. Despite a late surge from MSU, featuring a jumper by
Charles Fofanah at the 31-second mark, StMU held a narrow 45-39 lead at the end of the first half.
A back-and-forth second half saw the Maroon & Gold rally to tie the game at 85-85 in the final seconds with a 3-pointer by
Jonathan Jackson at the 22-second mark. However, the Rattlers responded with a clutch 3-pointer from Justin Britt at the buzzer, sealing an 88-85 victory. Wayne Wiggins contributed significantly for StMU with consistent scoring, including a layup with 1:10 remaining. The Mustangs' effort was bolstered by
Charles McClennahan, Jr.'s free throws that kept the game within reach, but ultimately, they fell short in this closely contested matchup.
Jackson scored 14 points, converting four 3-pointers, and collected six rebounds.
Orlando Horton, Jr. contributed 13 points and recorded six assists while gathering four rebounds. Ramirez added 12 points, with two 3-pointers, and registered two assists. McClennahan, Jr. finished with eight points and five assists, securing three rebounds.
Wiggins led with 17 points, converting 6 of 14 field goals and adding four steals. Eddie McPhee contributed nine points, sinking three 3-pointers, while also tallying five assists and six rebounds. Claxton posted 12 points and led the team with seven assists. Olaverr Camacho was efficient with 14 points, making 5 of 8 shots and collecting nine rebounds. Freddie Cooper added 15 points, hitting 6 of 7 from the field, including three 3-pointers.
In their next matchup, MSU will travel to face #11 St. Edward's on Sunday, Jan. 4. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at the Recreation and Convocation Center in Austin, Texas.
