SAN ANGELO, Texas — Midwestern State (7-17, 4-14 Lone Star) lost to Angelo State (15-9, 13-5 Lone Star), 86-77, at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena on Saturday. The Maroon & Gold held a 30-26 advantage in points in the paint, but ASU's 13 three-pointers proved decisive. Despite the loss, the team recorded a season-high of 46 total rebounds, showcasing their dominance on the boards.
The first quarter began with
Kerbie Cash scoring a layup to put the Mustangs on the board. The Rambelles responded with two free throws by Majik Esquivel to tie the game at 2-2. The teams traded leads multiple times, with Stevi Lockhart hitting two three-pointers for ASU and
Carisa Cortez converting two free throws for MSU. With 20 seconds left,
Katy Greathouse secured the lead for MSU with a jumper, assisted by Cortez, ending the quarter with an 18-17 advantage. Greathouse also recorded a season-high total of 9 rebounds, contributing significantly to the team's rebounding efforts. Both teams experienced four ties and exchanged the lead four times during the quarter.
Angelo State took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 30-18. Majik Esquivel's three-pointer at the 6:44 mark and a subsequent layup by Dragana Scepanovic gave ASU a pivotal lead. Mustangs'
Carisa Cortez responded with two three-pointers to keep the game close, but a late 3-pointer by Esquivel extended ASU's lead to 47-36 with just 15 seconds remaining. Tristin Keller secured the defensive rebound in the final seconds, signaling a strong finish for ASU in the quarter.
The third quarter saw ASU maintain control, extending its lead to 65-51 by the end. The Maroon & Gold sought to close the gap with a fast-break three-pointer by
Ta'Leeyah Glynn at the 7:25 mark and a layup by
Calyssa Sevier with 4:15 remaining. However, ASU's Landry Morrow kept the pressure on, contributing with a well-timed layup and a pair of free throws. Majik Esquivel and Briley Merket each added three-pointers for the Rambelles, solidifying their advantage. Despite a late scoring push from
Da'Lonna Choice, MSU trailed as the quarter concluded.
In the final quarter, MSU fought to narrow the deficit against ASU.
Carisa Cortez opened the scoring with a layup, bringing the visitors closer.
Da'Lonna Choice and
Alyssa Hutterer contributed key three-pointers, while
Ta'Leeyah Glynn's free throws and a three-point shot kept MSU competitive. Despite these efforts, ASU maintained its lead with crucial baskets from Briley Merket and Majik Esquivel, securing an 86-77 victory. The quarter was marked by MSU's aggressive play, outscoring ASU 26-21 but falling short overall.
Da'Lonna Choice lead the team with 14 points while shooting 6-for-17 from the field.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn contributed with 13 points, adding five assists and recording two steals.
Kerbie Cash posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, alongside four assists. Cash's double-double is her seventh of the season and third straight.Â
Alyssa Hutterer made an impact off the bench with nine points, hitting three 3-pointers and collecting two blocks and two steals.
Majik Esquivel led the Rambelles with 26 points, converting 8 of 19 field goals and a perfect 6 from the free-throw line. Esquivel also contributed four 3-pointers and five assists. Tristin Keller was a standout on defense, securing 11 rebounds and three steals, while also leading with seven assists. Briley Merket was efficient, making 5 of 6 shots, including four 3-pointers, to finish with 14 points. Landry Morrow added 17 points, shooting 6 of 16 from the field, and contributed two assists. Kenna Wood made an impact with six rebounds and two blocks, rounding out the team's defensive efforts.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will host Sul Ross State at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas. The game is set for Thursday, Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
