ODESSA, Texas — Midwestern State (7-16, 4-13 Lone Star) fell to the UT Permian Basin (15-10, 10-7 Lone Star), 83-66, at the UTPB Gym Complex. The Mustangs recorded 34 points in the paint, but the Falcons' 28 second-chance points contributed to their victory.
The opening quarter began with UT Permian Basin establishing an early lead. Juliet Esomchukwu scored the first points with a jumper at 9:45, assisted by Jonesha Neal. MSU responded with a layup by
Veonce Powell, but the Falcons continued to dominate. Kenadi Rising contributed significantly with a pair of jumpers and two free throws, extending the home team's advantage. Alondra Reyes capped the quarter with a layup at 1:58, helping UTPB secure a 22-9 lead over the Mustangs.
Midwestern St. faced a challenging second quarter against UTPB, with the home team outscoring the visitors 21-12. The Falcons capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, with Kenadi Rising and Jonesha Neal both contributing layups. Madison Walters played a pivotal role, scoring a layup and a 3-pointer, as well as assisting on several plays. For the Maroon & Gold,
Veonce Powell managed to connect on two 3-pointers, while
Da'Lonna Choice added a fast-break layup. The quarter concluded with two successful free throws by Neal, extending the lead to 43-21.
MSU made a strong push in the third quarter, outscoring UTPB 20-17.
Kerbie Cash was instrumental for the Maroon & Gold, contributing several key baskets, including a layup at 5:03 that narrowed the gap. The Falcons maintained their lead with a balanced attack, highlighted by Mikalah Buckley's 3-pointer at 1:29. Despite the visitors' efforts, UTPB ended the period with a 60-41 lead, thanks to a consistent offensive strategy and defensive rebounds.
The Mustangs made a late push in the fourth quarter, outscoring UT Permian Basin 25-23, but ultimately fell short. The quarter began with Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna extending UTPB's lead to 63-41 with a layup and a free throw at 9:52.
Calyssa Sevier responded for MSU by converting two free throws at 8:02.
Katy Greathouse contributed with key plays, including an offensive rebound and a subsequent layup at 4:06, bringing the score to 71-53.
Veonce Powell added a layup and a free throw with 29 seconds remaining, narrowing the deficit to 81-66. However, a late jumper by Camille Torrence sealed the victory for the Falcons at 83-66.
Veonce Powell scored 13 points and recorded two steals.
Alyssa Hutterer made three 3-pointers, contributing to her total of nine points.
Kerbie Cash collected 10 rebounds and added three steals, finishing with a double-double for the second straight game (11pts, 10 rebs).
Da'Lonna Choice finished with 12 points and two assists.
Madison Walters led the scoring for UTPB, contributing 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting, including two 3-pointers, and added five rebounds and two steals. Mikalah Buckley and Kenadi Rising each added 12 points. Buckley shot 5-for-10 from the field and collected four offensive rebounds, while Rising went 5-for-17 and secured seven rebounds. Jonesha Neal added eight points, tallied four assists, and led the team with three steals.
Looking ahead, MSU will face Angelo State on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. The matchup will take place at Junell Center/Stephens Arena in San Angelo, Texas.
