WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (5-12, 2-9) fell to Oklahoma Christian (8-11, 4-8) on Saturday at D.L. Ligon Coliseum despite forcing 25 turnovers. The Eagles led from start to finish en route to a 75-64 victory.
The first quarter began with the Eagles establishing a strong presence in the paint as Allyah Leusogi-Ape scored immediately with a fast break layup just three seconds into play. Taylor Jackson proved instrumental for the visitors with multiple layups and assists, leading to a 20-13 advantage by the end of the quarter. The Mustangs managed to stay competitive with
Carisa Cortez hitting a three-pointer at 6:51 to narrow the gap. Despite MSU's efforts, including successful free throws from
Macie Upshaw, they trailed by seven at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter featured a balanced exchange between MSU and the Eagles, with both teams scoring 13 points. Oklahoma Christian's Faith Ford contributed with a key three-pointer at 2:18, while Jackson added two free throws, helping maintain their edge. The Mustangs'
Calyssa Sevier made a defensive impact with a steal and subsequent fast-break layup at 6:59. Despite multiple turnovers and missed opportunities, both teams matched each other in scoring, leading to a tied quarter.
The Eagles extended their lead over the Maroon & Gold in the third quarter, highlighted by Kenzie Willis's three-pointer at 9:25, which increased their advantage to 36-26. MSU responded with
Ta'Leeyah Glynn's jumper at 8:17, narrowing the gap to 36-28. Despite efforts from
Kerbie Cash, who scored multiple times in the paint, the Eagles maintained control. Jackson's fast-break layup, followed by a converted free throw at 0:38, solidified the Eagles' position, concluding the quarter with a 52-41 lead. Oklahoma Christian outscored MSU 21-15 in the period.
The Mustangs' fourth-quarter surge was not enough to overcome the Eagles, resulting in a 75-64 defeat. Jackson's early tip-in at 9:42 extended the visitor's lead to 56-41. Despite
Veonce Powell's contribution of a three-pointer at 6:50 and Cash's consistent scoring, the Maroon & Gold struggled with field goals, making only 8 of 23 attempts. Sofia Lopez scored a crucial layup at 1:34 for Oklahoma Christian, maintaining their lead. Jackson sealed the game with a tip-in followed by a free throw with 18 seconds remaining, ending the contest with a 75-64 score in the Eagles' favor.
Cash led the Mustangs with 23 points, converting 9 of 12 free throws and collecting nine rebounds. DaLonna Choice contributed significantly on defense with four steals and added seven points. Upshaw recorded two blocks and pulled down six rebounds. Cortez tallied nine points and matched Sevier with two steals.
Jackson led the Eagles with a commanding performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 19 rebounds. She also made 12 of 16 free throws and contributed two assists. Lopez added 11 points, with a strong defensive showing of two blocks and two steals, while collecting seven rebounds. Trinity Dobbs contributed with five assists and two steals, showcasing her playmaking ability.
Up next for the Mustangs is a matchup against Lubbock Christian on Tuesday, Feb. 3. They will compete at 5:30 p.m. at Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock, Texas.
