Midwestern State Tames TAMUK Javelinas, Win 83-62
The Midwestern State men's basketball team was on a mission to get back on the winning track after suffering back to back losses. Their mission was accomplished when they defeated the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas 83-62 at Ligon Coliseum.
The Mustangs (12-6, 4-2) set out to play cleaner defense, knowing that fewer defensive fouls and more rebounds could open up opportunities for the offense. MSU did just that, sending Kingsville (6-12, 1-5) to the FT line just 3 times in the first half while grabbing 16 boards. MSU took a 42-35 edge into the half.
"Our bigs are getting better at challenging our opponents without fouling," said MSU head coach Nelson Haggerty. "That kind of aggressive play is really spurring on our offense."
The second half is where the Mustangs galloped away from the Javelinas. The half opened with a Xavier Blackburn three pointer that stretched MSU's lead to ten points. The Mustang defense got stronger as well, swatting 5 second half Kingsville shots.
All of the offensive opportunities that were provided by the defense were not taken for granted. Midwestern shot a solid 48.1% from the floor during the second frame as well as getting to the FT line 14 times, connecting on 11 of those attempts.
"We shot all of the right ones tonight," Haggerty said about the Mustang offense. "We were making plays for each other all night. The low number of turnovers and good rebounding opened up our offensive game."
MSU has a week off before hosting the Cameron Aggies on Gerald Stockton Court. That game will tip-off at 4:30pm on Saturday, February 1. The MSU women's game will follow after the men's contest.
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