WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (9-17, 6-14) defeated Western New Mexico (1-26, 1-19), 77-68, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The Mustangs capitalized on 18 points off turnovers and secured a 23-5 advantage in fast-break points.
The first quarter began with MSU taking an early lead, highlighted by a fast break 3-pointer from
Alyssa Hutterer at the 6:32 mark.
Catalina Cortez contributed with three assists, helping
Katy Greathouse and DaLonna Choice score key baskets. Western N.M. kept pace through effective offensive rebounding and scoring in the paint, with Teeya Gordon making crucial free throws and a tip-in to tie the game late. Ema Rose's jumper with 14 seconds remaining gave the Mustangs a narrow 19-17 lead to close the quarter.
MSU battled through a tightly contested second quarter against Western New Mexico, finishing with a narrow 14-13 edge for the period.
Saylor Upshaw contributed with two crucial free throws early on, tying the game at 19-19 at 9:32.
Kerbie Cash added a layup at 5:38, assisted by
Veonce Powell, to briefly push the Mustangs ahead. In the final seconds, a layup by Upshaw, assisted by
Katy Greathouse, closed the gap to 32-31, keeping the contest within a single point heading into halftime.
MSU pulled ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Western N.M. 20-8. DaLonna Choice opened with a 3-pointer at 9:50, assisted by
Carisa Cortez, to give the Maroon & Gold a 34-32 lead.
Macie Upshaw contributed defensively with a block and a key layup at 9:00. The Mustangs capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks, including a layup by
Ta'Leeyah Glynn at 0:41, increasing the lead to 51-40 by the end of the period.
The Mustangs maintained their lead against WNMU in the fourth quarter, despite being outscored 28-26.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn and
Veonce Powell each contributed 3-pointers early in the period, bolstering MSU's offense.
Saylor Upshaw and
Katy Greathouse added to the scoring, with Greathouse also providing a key block and assist. WNMU attempted to close the gap with scoring drives led by Teeya Gordon and Ema Rose, but MSU secured the game with consistent free-throw shooting in the final minutes.
Kerbie Cash collected 10 rebounds and added 13 points, leading the team in rebounds. DaLonna Choice scored 12 points and recorded four rebounds, contributing significantly to the offense.
Veonce Powell finished with 11 points and added three assists.
Catalina Cortez contributed defensively with two steals and distributed four assists.
Teeya Gordon led Western New Mexico with 17 points, shooting 5-for-11 from the field and 7-for-9 from the free-throw line. Ema Rose contributed 13 points, making 6 out of 9 field goals. Naomi Kimble added a strong presence on the boards, securing 15 rebounds, including nine offensive. Tess Taylor tallied 10 points and provided three assists.
Notably, this victory marked the culmination of Midwestern State's impressive streak, as they won their final four home games, contributing to their 6-7 home record for the season. Interim head coach
Kyra Seggewiss was 4-2 while at the helm.
Veonce Powell,
Da'Lonna Choice,
Catalina Cortez,
Alyssa Hutterer,
Aniya Williams and
Katy Greathouse were recognized in Senior Day ceremonies prior to tipoff.
Neither Midwestern State nor Western New Mexico qualified for the LSC Postseason Tournament, which will be held March 6-8 (Friday-Sunday) at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
