Wichita Falls, TX - The Western New Mexico University Mustangs traveled out to Texas to play against the Midwestern State University - Texas Mustangs, Thursday evening. In a very close match-up, MSU was able to use WNMU team fouls to secure their win. 

In the battle of the Mustangs, MSU came out aggressive forcing many early turnovers for the WNMU Mustangs. The first half was a rough start for WNMU as the team could not keep the ball long enough in their possession to run any kind of offense. As the team got more confident, they quickly turned a 15 point trail to a 5 point game. Senior Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) was ready to shoot beyond the arc upon chances given to her. In the second quarter, Chavez had two back-to-back three-pointers that helped WNMU get their rhythm going. The WNMU Mustangs went on to shoot 43% from downtown after the first half. At halftime, the score was MSU 35, WNMU 24.

As the second half was underway, a spark lit under Sophomore Cynaye Bobbitt (Killeen, TX/Harker Heights HS) as she quickly lead the team to a 6-0 run in the paint to give WNMU 12 points within the first four minutes of the second half. Leading the team in points was sophomore Olivia Lee (Peoria, AZ/Cactus HS) who dominated from under the basket. Both Bobbitt and Lee lead the team in rebounds for a total of 23 rebounds from the two teammates. Although WNMU turned a large trailing lead to a one-point game within the fourth quarter, MSU quickly slipped awat and took advantage of the fouls WNMU. Costly fouls from WNMU would give MSU 19 attempts for free throws, 7 of which were in the fourth quarter alone. MSU had five girls in the double-digits and led by Hannah Reynolds and Shawnisay Millar each with 14 points. The final score of the game would end MSU taking the with 70-57. 

Early turnovers would cost WNMU the opportunity to stop MSU's offense from staying in rhythm. The team totaled 20 turnovers on the night. Fouls were also a major issue for WNMU as total team fouls was a high 17 fouls. WNMU shot 34.4% from the field goal range, 50% from the three-point range, and 57.1% from the free throw line. 

Mustangs will be back in action, Saturday February 12th against Texas Woman's University with tip-off at 1:00 PM MT. 


Mustangs to Highlight:
Olivia Lee (Peoria, AZ/Cactus HS) (15 points, 11 reb, 2 blcks, 1 stl)
Cynaye Bobbitt (Killeen, TX/Harker Heights HS) (14 points, 12 reb, 2 assists, 2 stl)
Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) (9 points, 5 reb, 1 assist, 1 blck)

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!  

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 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).