RICHARDSON, Texas — Midwestern State (5-14, 2-11 Lone Star) fell to the UT Dallas (10-10, 7-6 Lone Star), 86-74, at the UTD Activity Center. Despite a strong defensive effort with 10 steals, the Mustangs couldn't overcome a 56-point effort from the Comets in the paint.
Midwestern State opened the contest with a jumper from
Veonce Powell, establishing an early presence. Powell went on to achieve a season-high total of 19 points, making a season-high 8 field goals. Despite this, UTD responded with a strong offensive showing, particularly in the paint, tallying 18 points inside. Umi Otsuka and Danielle Oyakhire led the scoring for the Comets, with Otsuka contributing a layup and a free throw early on. Addy Self was instrumental in the latter half of the quarter, adding a layup with 1:19 remaining to extend the home team's lead. MSU managed to close the gap slightly with two free throws by
Catalina Cortez, ending the first quarter trailing 24-18.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs edged UTD 19-18, closing the gap in a tightly contested quarter.
Kerbie Cash's jumper at 9:22 began the scoring, contributing significantly with both points and assists. Cash recorded a season-high total of 5 assists and achieved at least 15 total points in 4 consecutive games.
Ta'Leeyah Glynn hit multiple three-pointers, including one at 1:53, keeping MSU competitive. Despite Addy Self's defensive and scoring efforts, the Comets couldn't extend their lead, ending the quarter narrowly ahead at 42-37.
To start the third quarter, Powell scored twice early in the quarter, including a fast-break layup at 7:55. Cash was active on both ends, securing defensive rebounds and scoring a layup at 1:27. UTD responded with Oyakhire's layup and free throw in the final minutes, helping maintain their lead. Self capped the quarter with a layup and a free throw with 4 seconds remaining, extending UTD's advantage to 56-51.
In a tense fourth quarter, the Comets pulled away to secure an 86-74 victory over MSU. Powell's early three-pointer at 8:31 brought the Mustangs within one point, but Otsuka responded with a layup and a free throw, extending UTD's lead.
Macie Upshaw kept the visitors in contention with key baskets, including a layup at 2:27 that narrowed the score to 74-72. However, the Comets capitalized on late turnovers, with Anna Yellen converting four free throws in the final minute to seal the win for the home team.
Powell scored 19 points and made three 3-pointers while adding three steals. Glynn recorded 14 points, hitting three 3-pointers and collecting two steals. Upshaw finished with 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Cash tallied 15 points, converting seven free throws and dishing out five assists.
Otsuka led with 29 points, converting 12 of 18 field goal attempts, and contributed five assists and four steals. Oyakhire added 21 points and secured a double-double with 11 rebounds, including seven on the defensive end. Self provided a balanced effort with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and team-highs of six assists and five steals.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will travel to face UT Tyler on Monday, Feb. 9. The matchup is set for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off at the Louise Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler, Texas.
