The Midwestern State basketball team opened its season with a 100-63 victory over the Evangels of Mid-American Christian University at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
Matt Gallagher led the competition with 19 points and also claimed three three-pointers to lead the double figures contest. JaMichael Rivers made the first points for the hosts, who got up to 11 points before MACU finally got on the scoreboard. He snatched a total of 15 points Friday night as MSU pushed past the Evangels to dominate the season debut.
The first half was remarkable for Midwestern State who had doubled the visitors’ points by the break with a 54-27 score. Rivers missed the last shot of the half as he attempted to beat the buzzer with a three-pointer.
The Evangels woke up a little in the second period as they scored nine more than they did in the first and allowed the Mustangs to score eight less.
Nevertheless, MSU had its highest lead of the night in that same period when DeJuan Plummer sent in a three-pointer to put the Mustangs an 82-39 ahead. MACU narrowed the gap after as MSU slowly extended its lead.
Colbert Thomas ended the scoring for the Mustangs by burying two free-throws with less than a minute on the clock.
Arcelon Osborne was able to lay up two consolation points after a rebound to conclude MACU’s 63 points as well as the game.
“I feel good about where we are,” Head Basketball Coach Nelson Haggerty said. “We have a lot we can improve on and we get better with every game.”
After outclassing MACU, the Mustangs went ahead to host and defeat the University of Science and Arts 89-71.
Michael Loyd scored an overall 21 while Anthony Harris scored 18 for the MSU.
Gallagher, who had the most points in the season opener, came up with 13 Monday night.
“Matt Gallagher is up to a great start,” said Haggerty. “All the players are there when you need them.”
Kyle Hunt and Graham Faulkner led the Drovers’ offense with 15 and 14 points respectively.
The Mustangs concluded their scoring when Gallagher made a free throw with less than two minutes on the clock.
USAO Lewis Zacharias also made two free throws as the Drovers said goodbye to the victorious Mustangs.
Haggerty pointed out an offensive strategy that his team used.
“We try to focus on not shooting as many three-pointers,” he said. “ There’s a higher scoring percentage when we go for twos.”
While MSU improved to 2-0 for the season, their guests fell to 2-2.
The Mustangs will visit Pueblo, Colorado to play New Mexico Highlands Friday at 4 p.m. and then play the hosts on Saturday at 8 p.m.
