WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (7-15, 4-12 ) defeated Texas A&M-Kingsville (5-17, 5-11) Saturday afternoon at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, 67-60. The Mustangs capitalized on Texas A&M-Kingsville's 26 turnovers, converting them into 24 points. This victory marked the first time Midwestern State has won back-to-back games since December 19.
Texas A&M-Kingsville's Kaylee Howell scored a layup just 22 seconds into the game, assisted by Justine Aguilar, to initiate the scoring. Midwestern State's
Veonce Powell responded with a fast-break 3-pointer at 5:09, contributing to a shift in momentum. Powell continued to assert dominance by adding another 3-pointer at 4:31, assisted by
Carisa Cortez, putting the Mustangs ahead.
Kerbie Cash also played a crucial role, scoring a layup and providing key assists, including one to
Ta'Leeyah Glynn for a three-point shot with 1:06 remaining. The quarter concluded with Midwestern State leading 25-19, despite a late 3-pointer by Landri Richey of Texas A&M-Kingsville.
MSU maintained a narrow lead throughout the second quarter, despite a strong effort from Texas A&M-Kingsville. Richey opened the scoring in the quarter with a tip-in at 9:06, cutting the deficit to four.
Alyssa Hutterer contributed for the Mustangs by making a free throw at 7:12 to extend the lead. Texas A&M-Kingsville's Kaycee Groves tied the score at 29-29 with a jumper at 3:12, but Cash responded for MSU with a fast-break layup at 29 seconds, securing a 34-31 lead by the end of the quarter. The quarter concluded with Cash securing a defensive rebound as time expired.
Midwestern State's defense faced a challenge in the third quarter as Texas A&M-Kingsville surged ahead with a 13-6 scoring run. Aguilar contributed a layup at 9:29 to cut the lead to one before adding a jumper at 7:14, which put Texas A&M-Kingsville in front. MSU's Cash responded with a jumper at 6:39 to regain a narrow lead, but Groves' fast-break jumper at 1:22 extended the visitors' advantage. Cortez managed to bring the Mustangs within a point with two free throws at 0:32, but Groves hit a decisive 3-pointer with 17 seconds remaining, helping Texas A&M-Kingsville close the quarter strong.
The fourth quarter saw the Mustangs outscore their opponent 27-16. Cash played a pivotal role, contributing with timely free throws and layups, including a fast break layup at 2:55.
Katy Greathouse tied the game early in the quarter with a 3-pointer at 9:01, and
Da'Lonna Choice extended the lead with key shots, including a 3-pointer at 1:32. Texas A&M-Kingsville attempted a late comeback with Groves hitting multiple 3-pointers, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. This win also improved Midwestern State's home record to 4-7 this season.
Kerbie Cash scored 22 points and recorded 10 rebounds, adding four steals and two blocks to her performance. Powell contributed 10 points and assisted on two occasions. Glynn tallied seven points and collected four rebounds, while also notching two steals. Choice added 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed three rebounds.
Groves led the offensive effort with 23 points, shooting 4-for-8 from beyond the arc, and added seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Aguilar contributed 12 points, connecting on 5 of 10 field goal attempts, while also securing seven rebounds and three assists. Richey was active on the boards, grabbing a team-high 10 rebounds, including five on the offensive end, and added five points, two assists, and one block.
In their next game, the Maroon & Gold will travel to Odessa, Texas, to face UT Permian Basin. The matchup is set for Thursday, Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at UTPB Gym Complex.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
