LAWTON, Okla. — Midwestern State (5-11, 2-8 Lone Star) edged Cameron (2-17, 2-9 Lone Star), 92-87, with a decisive 28-point fourth quarter and 22 second-chance points. This victory marked a season high for the Mustangs, as they achieved a season-high total of 92 points and made an impressive 11 three-point field goals.
Midwestern State began the game by establishing an early lead over Cameron with a strong offensive performance.
Calyssa Sevier scored a key jumper at 8:51 to level the score at 2-2, and
Kerbie Cash followed with a three-pointer at 8:32 to give the Mustangs a 5-3 lead. MSU capitalized on turnovers and maintained momentum with Cash contributing significantly, including a jumper at 7:57 to extend their lead. Kloe Heidebrecht of the Aggies briefly narrowed the gap with a three-pointer at 4:19, but the Maroon & Gold responded with a 3-pointer from
Katy Greathouse at 2:10, increasing the lead to 27-15. The quarter ended with a 30-19 advantage for MSU after
Veonce Powell sank a three-pointer at 1:16, contributing to his season-high total of 16 points.
The Mustangs maintained their lead throughout the second quarter, despite Cameron's attempts to close the gap. Cash was pivotal for MSU, contributing multiple key baskets, including a jumper assisted by Cortez at 7:15, which extended their lead to 34-19. Cash also added a three-pointer at 4:56, pushing the score to 39-25. Cameron responded with Heidebrecht's three-pointer at 6:03 and Mercedes Mancha's three-pointer at 4:01, but MSU held a 45-41 lead by the end of the quarter.
The Maroon & Gold gained a decisive edge early in the third quarter, with
Ta'Leeyah Glynn sinking a three-pointer just three seconds in and
Saylor Upshaw following with a fastbreak layup to extend the lead to 50-41. CU's Mancha responded with a three-pointer at 8:51, cutting the deficit to six. MSU maintained control, highlighted by Powell's two three-pointers, one assisted by Cortez at 6:19 and another at 5:15 assisted by DaLonna Choice, widening the lead to 57-49. Despite Aminata Diallo's persistent efforts for the Aggies, MSU ended the quarter ahead, 64-56, aided by a late jumper from Choice with 40 seconds remaining.
The Mustangs secured a narrow 92-87 victory over CU in a tense fourth quarter. Diallo started the quarter with a layup, narrowing the gap to six points. Glynn and Cash contributed crucial free throws to maintain MSU's lead. With only 28 seconds left, Powell's three-pointer, assisted by Cortez, extended the visitors' lead to 87-82. Cameron's late efforts, including a fast-break layup by Emmary Elizondo with 23 seconds remaining, kept the game close, but Cortez sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds, capping her season-high performance of 19 points and five assists.
Cash led the Mustangs with 23 points, converting 7 of 12 free throws and collecting 10 rebounds. Cortez contributed 19 points, making all eight of her free throws and recording five assists. Powell added 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers. Choice tallied four steals while adding seven points.
Heidebrecht led with 28 points, connecting on six 3-pointers, while adding seven rebounds and three steals. Diallo contributed 17 points on 6-for-8 shooting, securing five defensive rebounds and registering one block. Mancha scored 15 points, highlighted by four 3-pointers, and dished out four assists. Elizondo recorded 11 points, five rebounds, and two assists, despite six turnovers.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face Oklahoma Christian on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.
