WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (4-8, 1-5) fell to No. 12-ranked Lubbock Christian (14-2, 6-1), 73-62, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The Mustangs forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 21 points, but were unable to overcome Lubbock Christian's 34 points in the paint.
The first quarter saw a competitive start between Midwestern State and Lubbock Christian, with multiple lead changes and ties. Martie McCoy of Lubbock Christian opened the scoring with a layup. Midwestern State responded with a layup by
Macie Upshaw, assisted by
Calyssa Sevier, to tie the game early. Kennedy Chappell of Lubbock Christian contributed a three-pointer, giving her team a brief lead at 6:53. Maroon & Gold's
Ta'Leeyah Glynn hit a three-pointer at 3:42 to regain the advantage for her team. The quarter concluded with
Kerbie Cash making two free throws with nine seconds remaining, securing a 20-17 lead for MSU.
MSU maintained a narrow lead throughout most of the second quarter, despite Lubbock Christian's persistent efforts to close the gap.
Calyssa Sevier's early layup and a subsequent free throw put the home team ahead 23-17. Kennedy Chappell's three-pointer and Tia Johnson's layup helped Lubbock Christian keep the score tight, trailing by two points at 27-29 with 5:36 remaining. Both teams traded baskets in a closely contested quarter, with
Kerbie Cash's consistent scoring, including a layup and multiple free throws, enabling the Mustangs to hold a slim 34-33 advantage by the end of the quarter.
Lubbock Christian gained momentum in the third quarter, outscoring MSU 16-11. The visitors capitalized on fast breaks and bench contributions, with Tia Johnson hitting a critical three-pointer at 7:21 to extend their lead. Kennedy Chappell was pivotal, adding a layup and two free throws, pushing her team's advantage. Mattie Dollar contributed a three-pointer with 49 seconds remaining, widening the lead further. MSU's
Alyssa Hutterer responded with a three-pointer at the 12-second mark, but it wasn't enough to close the gap before the quarter ended.
Lubbock Christian secured a 73-62 victory over MSU in the final quarter. Martie McCoy's layup at 7:23, followed by a free throw, extended their lead to 56-51. The Mustangs responded with a layup from
Macie Upshaw at 6:32, narrowing the gap to one point. However, a three-pointer by Meg Meekins at 3:47 put Lubbock Christian ahead 62-59. The visitors capitalized on free throws in the closing minutes, extending their advantage and sealing the win.
Kerbie Cash led the team with 15 points, converting 9 of 10 free throws, and collected 11 rebounds, including nine on the defensive end.
Macie Upshaw scored 10 points, making all five of her baskets, and added eight rebounds.
Calyssa Sevier contributed 13 points and recorded one steal while shooting 5 of 6 from the free-throw line.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn added eight points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded four rebounds.
Kennedy Chappell led Lubbock Christian with 20 points, converting 6 of 7 field goals and 2 of 2 from beyond the arc, while adding seven rebounds. Martie McCoy was a defensive presence, recording three blocks and six assists, alongside five points. Meg Meekins contributed with six assists and four rebounds, despite scoring nine points. Tia Johnson added 12 points, making 5 of 8 shots, including two 3-pointers. Mattie Dollar rounded out the top performers with eight points and two blocks, securing seven rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will host Eastern New Mexico on Thursday, Jan. 15. The game is set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
