WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State women's basketball graduate assistant,
Kyra Seggewiss, was named interim head coach after the resignations of head coach Brenita Jackson and assistant coach Kevin Jackson were announced earlier in the afternoon, and the Mustangs responded with a 78-66 victory over Texas A&M International.
Midwestern State (6-15, 3-12) shot 50 percent from the field and scored 27 fast-break points. Texas A&M International (12-9, 9-6) was held to 32.4 percent shooting and hit only 2-of-15 shots from 3-point range.
Da'Lonna Choice led the scoring for the Mustangs with 22 points, including four 3-pointers, and recorded two steals.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn contributed 13 points and added five assists while grabbing five rebounds. Cash posted 16 points, with two 3-pointers, and collected nine rebounds, also tallying five assists. Powell added nine points and recorded two steals in the game.
Midwestern State opened the game with a strong defensive presence, forcing multiple turnovers from Texas A&M International.
Kerbie Cash led the charge with two early layups, helping the home team build momentum. Glynn contributed significantly with a fast-break layup at 5:10 and a subsequent free throw, extending their lead. Despite a late rally from Texas A&M International, highlighted by Dacia Jones' consecutive layups, the Mustangs maintained an 18-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Midwestern State took control in the second quarter, outscoring TAMIU 19-15 to extend its lead. Cash was influential, hitting a three-pointer at 9:05 and another at the buzzer assisted by Glynn, to finalize the quarter at 37-29. Glynn also contributed a layup at 8:04, capitalizing on
Saylor Upshaw's assist. TAMIU's Jaela Wade made an impact with a three-pointer at 8:22 and added two free throws in the final seconds to keep the score close.
MSU maintained its lead over Texas A&M International in the third quarter, closing it out 17-15. Jones of TAMIU was active on the boards, contributing several offensive rebounds and scoring a layup at 8:11.
Veonce Powell responded for the Maroon & Gold with a series of jumpers, including one at 4:24, helping to stretch its lead.
Carisa Cortez added a crucial three-pointer at the 53-second mark, pushing the home team's advantage to double digits. Despite a late layup by Abigail Martinez for TAMIU with four seconds left, the Mustangs held a ten-point lead at the end of the quarter.
In a tightly contested fourth quarter, Midwestern State secured a 78-66 victory over Texas A&M International. The home team showcased strong offensive play, with
Macie Upshaw opening the scoring with a jumper early in the quarter. Choice was instrumental with her shooting, including a crucial three-pointer at 5:11, assisted by Glynn. Despite a series of turnovers, MSU maintained their lead, bolstered by Cash's defensive rebounds and key points in the paint. Texas A&M International's Bridgette Tello made efforts to close the gap with fast break layups, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Jayden Smallwood led TAMIU with 15 points, making 6 of 13 field goals, while also contributing five steals. Tello added 12 points, recording two blocks and four steals. Jones was efficient, scoring 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting and pulling down eight rebounds. Martinez provided a well-rounded performance with 10 points, eight rebounds, and three steals.
In their next game, the Mustangs will host Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, Feb. 14 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
