Mustangs trample TAMUC Lions at D.L. Ligon but hit a roadblock in Stephenville.
After double victories against rivals Cameron University, the Mustangs dominated Texas A&M University-Commerce as they won their tenth straight home game.
Keonte Logan made the first three points for Midwestern State then Darrick Thomas made it 5-0 with two free-throws. As the visitors were yet to make a point, JaMichael Rivers slam dunked which felt like a slap to the Lions’ faces. TAMU-C must have turned the other cheek as MSU went up to 15 points before finally conceding Desmond King’s lay-up.
However, the Mustangs stayed in front and led the Lions with 20 points at the end of the first half. Rivers played an outstanding first period with eight points to his name as well as topping the scoreboard. Michael Loyd was remarkable as well, claiming seven points before the break.
The players had barely got out of the dressing room when Logan sneaked in another smooth three-pointer to bring the second half to a start. Logan then assisted Rivers for his three-pointer as the Mustangs extended their lead to 22.
Esteban Arriola stirred momentum in the TAMU-C offense as he came up with five quick points to narrow the Mustangs’ lead. Nevertheless, MSU fought back every time the Lions made an effort.
Although MSU dominated TAMU-C with a relatively large margin, the hosts still managed to score more points than the Mustangs in the second half. Midwestern had led the first half 36 -16 but concluded the second with a 33-34 score line. Rivers and Loyd contributed most to the Mustangs 69 points with 18 and 12 respectively. King, on the other hand, led his team with ten points while teammate Andrew Davis was up close with nine.
After sending TAMU-C home with a 19-point defeat, the Mustangs made their way to Stephenville, Texas for a thrilling encounter with Tarleton State University.
The game turned out more interesting for the Texans who were able to muster a four-point win.
It was tough to play against the no. 4 team in the country but MSU Anthony Harris came out of nowhere to notch 20 points on the scoreboard as Loyd, who has been on top of his game this season, registered 17 for the Mustangs.
Unfortunately, the Mustangs’ high scoring was countered by three consistent Texans who ensured a 79-75 victory. Shedrick Haynes led the contest with 26 total points while Chris Harrel and Fabian Wilson scored 19 and 18 correspondingly.
“The main difference between both games was that Tarleton State went to the free-throw line a lot,” said Head Basketball Coach Nelson Haggerty.
The Mustangs will host Angelo State University this Saturday at the D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
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