WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (8-18, 6-13 ) fell to Sul Ross State (5-20, 3-16 Lone Star) 80-64 on Thursday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The Lobos earned their first win in three meetings with the Mustangs. MSU scored 42 points in the paint, but it was not enough to overcome Sul Ross State's 11 three-pointers.  Sul Ross State ended a 16-game road losing streak, which dated back to last season.

Midwestern State opened the first half with a strong inside presence, as Charles Fofanah scored twice early, helping the home team to a brief lead. Tehshaundre Cole contributed with a layup and a free throw to maintain momentum, but Sul Ross State responded with outside shooting. Antwonne Holmes and Ernests Locmelis each hit key 3-pointers, the latter at the 10:23 mark, to push the visitors ahead. Despite Jonathan Jackson's late 3-pointer, Sul Ross State extended its lead with a fast-break dunk by Holmes with 13 seconds left, closing the half with a 35-27 advantage.

Sul Ross State extended its lead in the second half, starting with Antwonne Holmes' tip-in at the 19:49 mark, pushing the score to 37-27. Midwestern State attempted to close the gap with contributions from Davyon Butler and Terrance Ramirez, including a fast-break layup by Ramirez at 12:57, reducing the deficit to 51-40. However, Sul Ross State maintained their advantage with effective shooting, highlighted by Chianti Clay's three-pointer at 6:25, increasing their lead to 66-48. Despite a late push by MSU, including a three-pointer from Ramirez with 1:28 remaining, Sul Ross State secured an 80-64 victory with consistent scoring and defensive stops.

Ramirez scored a season-high 28 points and recorded his first double-double of the season with 11 rebounds for the Mustangs.

Midwestern State Top Performers  

Terrance Ramirez  
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- 28 points  
- 11/22 field goals made  
- 11 rebounds  

Tehshaundre Cole  
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- 10 points  
- 9 rebounds  
- 3 steals  

Davyon Butler  
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- 9 points  
- 2 steals  

Charles Fofanah  
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- 6 points  
- 2 steals  

In their next matchup, the Maroon & Gold will host Western New Mexico on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas. Read Full Article