LUBBOCK, Texas — Midwestern State (5-13, 2-10 Lone Star) fell to No. 23 Lubbock Christian (17-4, 9-3 Lone Star), 89-69, at the Rip Griffin Center on Tuesday, despite forcing 14 turnovers. The Lady Chaps capitalized in the paint with 44 points, outpacing the Mustangs' 24 points in that area.
The first quarter began with Lubbock Christian taking an early lead, thanks to Tia Johnson's layup and free throws, which set the tone for the home team. MSU's
Kerbie Cash responded with a three-pointer at 7:52, narrowing the gap. Cash, who exceeded her season average of 15.94 points, showed her prowess by attempting at least 10 free throws for the third consecutive game. The sophomore has scored more than 20 points in four of their last five games. LCU maintained their advantage through effective shooting, including a 3-pointer by Taylor Allen at 3:22, pushing the score to 17-11. Meg Meekins extended the lead with another 3-pointer at 2:16, and the Lady Chaps closed the quarter ahead, 24-17, despite a late layup by Cash for the Maroon & Gold.
Tia Johnson initiated the scoring for LCU with a jumper assisted by Kennedy Chappell, setting the early tone in the second quarter. The Lady Chaps maintained a strong pace throughout the period, highlighted by Meg Meekins' 3-pointer at 3:03, extending their lead. The Mustangs responded with
Veonce Powell's 3-pointer at the 4:00 mark but struggled to close the gap. Powell, who scored 15 points, exceeded her season average of 6.82. The quarter ended with Meekins' layup in the final seconds, giving LCU an 18-13 advantage for the quarter and extending their overall lead to 42-30.
LCU maintained their lead throughout the third quarter, highlighted by Raegan Lee's 3-pointer at 9:09, assisted by Meekins, which pushed the score to 45-30. The Maroon & Gold struggled with turnovers, committing six. Midwesten State cut into the lead with 1:26 left when
Ta'Leeyah Glynn hit a 3-pointer, narrowing the gap to 65-48 after an assist from
Carisa Cortez. The Lady Chaps ended the quarter strong, with Maddie Moyers scoring a 3-pointer at 1:12, assisted by Johnson, bringing the score to 68-48. LCU outscored MSU 28-21 in the third quarter.
The Lady Chaps secured the win over the Mustangs with a final quarter score of 19-18,ending the scoring at 89-69. The home team maintained control with efficient shooting, including a layup from Deja Johnson at 8:50, assisted by Kyndle Cunningham, which was part of an early scoring surge. MSU's
Kerbie Cash responded with a strong performance, scoring multiple baskets and contributing seven points in the quarter. Despite Cash's efforts, LCU's consistent free throw shooting, highlighted by Mattie Dollar's late conversions, ensured their win.
Cash led the Mustangs with 25 points, converting 8 of 13 field goals and 8 of 10 free throws, while also collecting three steals and five rebounds. Powell contributed 15 points and recorded two steals. Significantly, DaLonna Choice posted a season-high total of 10 points and achieved a season-high of 4 field goals made, additionally adding two steals. Glynn posted two steals and scored five points.
Chappell led the offensive charge for LCU with 21 points, shooting 87.5% from the field and converting six of seven free throws. Meekins contributed 13 points and distributed five assists while securing six rebounds. Tia Johnson was pivotal on defense, recording three blocks and two steals, along with 10 points. Dollar made a notable impact on the boards, collecting eight rebounds and adding two steals.
Looking ahead, the Maroon & Gold will travel to face UT Dallas on Saturday, Feb. 7. The matchup is set for 1 p.m. at the UTD Activity Center in Richardson, Texas.
