RICHARDSON, Texas — Midwestern St. (7-13, 5-8 Lone Star) narrowly fell to UT Dallas (6-15, 5-8 Lone Star) with a final score of 75-74 at the UTD Activity Center on Saturday. Despite leading by 10 points at halftime, the Mustangs were unable to hold off the Comets, who outscored them 43-32 in the second half.
Midwestern State and UT Dallas began the game with a competitive first half, highlighted by multiple lead changes. The Comets took an early 12-4 advantage after a three-pointer by Matthew Soto at the 16:40 mark. MSU responded with a 9-2 run, leveling the score at 13-13 following a fastbreak three-pointer by
Jonathan Jackson at 13:14.
Davyon Butler provided crucial momentum for the Mustangs, adding a three-pointer and a fastbreak dunk, contributing to their 42-32 lead at halftime. Butler's led the team in scoring, finishing with 18 points, which was double his season average of 9.2.
The Maroon & Gold led early in the second half, but UTD quickly responded with a 3-pointer by Zach Spitzer at the 19:46 mark to cut the deficit. Will Warren's consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer and a dunk, helped the Comets maintain pressure. With 14 seconds remaining,
Terrance Ramirez scored a layup to put the Mustangs ahead 74-73. However, the Comets clinched the game as Spitzer hit a jumper at the buzzer, assisted by Peyton Dulin, to secure a 75-74 victory. This marked the second consecutive game where Ramirez recorded at least 14 total points.
Davyon Butler scored 18 points and recorded three steals, leading the offensive effort.
Jordan Reed contributed 13 points and added two steals while also blocking one shot. Ramirez added 14 points and provided two assists.
Tehshaundre Cole posted two blocksin a defensive effort. Additionally,
Kadon Jackson achieved a season-high total of eight rebounds, contributing significantly to the Mustangs' defensive efforts.
Will Warren led the team with 14 points, connecting on three 3-pointers and contributing four assists. Dulin added nine points, eight assists, and two blocks, demonstrating versatility on both ends of the court. Soto also scored 11 points, hitting three 3-pointers and providing six assists in a strong supporting role. Jordan Balderaz contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, showing efficiency with five field goals. Hudson Goellner matched Warren with 14 points and added four rebounds to round out the team's offensive leaders.
In their next game, MSU will travel to face UT Tyler on Monday, Feb. 9. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Louise Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler, Texas.
