8 Wednesday
sports
CHAMPIONS
February 29, 2012
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MSU defeats Eastern New Mexico to claim its sixth conference title. DAMIAN ATAMENWAN SPORTS EDITOR
David Terrell slam dunks to compliment his seven points against Eastern New Mexico. Photo by KASSIE BRUTON
The D.L. Ligon Coliseum harbored the delighted sensation of achievement and prolific effort Saturday night after the Midwestern State basketball team claimed its sixth Lone Star Conference championship with a 79-64 victory over the speedy Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico. But before the Mustangs accomplish the aforementioned triumph, they had to experience a rite of passage which involved a 60-56 loss to West Texas A&M University Wednesday night. West Texas A&M University took advantage of the Mustangs’ poor start by getting on the scoreboard earlier and going up to ten points ahead in the first half. However, the Mustangs were able to get double figures from senior guard Michael Loyd and senior forward David Terrell. Loyd played incredibly and was rewarded with 18 points alongside three rebounds while Terrell forced in 13 points and made four rebounds. Lionel Foster’s encouragement for the Buffs was in the form of 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Following Foster was Kennon Washington with 13 points, seven rebounds and an assist. The Mustangs also saw an outstanding eight-point contribution from Keonte’ Logan, who took the liberty of enhancing his scoring against West Texas with double three pointers. JaMichael Rivers was able to slot in eight points as well as four rebounds in attempt to secure a positive score line for MSU. MSU then regrouped and improved its attacking thrust hence defeating Eastern New Mexico to claim the LSC title as well as the no. 1 seed in the league. Loyd was the architect of the Mustangs’ stampede over the Greyhound and got credit for 16 points while Rivers contributed 15 points his side’s overall tally.
Thomas Colbert celebrates after MSU thrashed the Greyhounds. Photo by KASSIE BRUTON
Anthony Harris followed the top scorers by sending home nine points, leaving Terrell to round up the Mustang’s exclusive scoring with seven points. Rivers, who stated poorly, saw his eventual barrage of points as a routine. “I started out at a slow pace then I was able to make correct shots,” he said. “I was just doing what it took to make my team win.” For the Greyhounds, Greg McFarland made a total of 13 points coupled with seven rebounds while Dylan Houlihan and Reggie Nelson registered ten points apiece. However, their hard work was undone by the Mustangs after the break. The Mustangs’ tenacity in the second half earned them a domineering scoring system, leading them up to a 19-point advantage. Senior guard Melvin Clark’s appearance at the end of the second period rewarded the hosts with five quick points before Chris Buttermore went for a slam dunk to conclude MSU’s scoring. According to Rivers, the Mustangs are playing exceptionally well but still have a goal to achieve.
“We’re doing good so far but we still haven’t accomplished what we wanted to,” he said. “We want to win the State Championship so we’re taking it one day at a time.” Darrick Thomas and Thomas Colbert emerged with six points apiece while DeJuan Plummer mustered in five points to make the victory quite evident. Thomas and Terrell led the contest defensively with eight rebounds each. Loyd perceived Saturday night’s victory as a huge achievement and expressed confidence in the Mustangs’ future. “That’s what we want to do, win championships,” he said. “That’s just a start, we have a couple more to win.” After a season worth taking about, MSU will have to concentrate on the LSC Postseason Tournament at the Allen Event Center. “We had a great start to the season and a nice end as well,” added Loyd. “If we continue with that kind of play, we would be in great shape.” The Mustangs will face Texas A&M University Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m.
Lady Mustangs earn trip to conference tournament DAMIAN ATAMENWAN SPORTS EDITOR
After slightly losing to the Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M, the Midwestern State women’s basketball team punished Eastern New Mexico with a 64-55 score line Saturday night at the D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The Lady Mustangs’ encounter with West Texas ended 71-69 to the utmost dismay of the visitors. With just a few seconds more, MSU might have leveled things up if not won. Savannah Carver’s fondness of scoring was apparent in this competition as she made 18 points to lead the Lady Mustangs’ offense. “I don’t really think about scoring,” Carver humbly said. “I feel scoring is just my drive to the team.” Andrea Carter also stood up for MSU as she struck with 12 points while Kirsti Degelia lofted 11 points past the Lady Buffs. “It was a good team we played against but I felt we’re better,” commented Degelia. “We didn’t come out and play as we should have so they took advantage of that.” Ashley Leven’s 25 points spoke a lot for the hosts who struggled to stay in the lead. Leven was backed up by Devin Griffin, who slid in 13 points and Joni Unruh, who made 12 points. The Lady Mustangs then went ahead to slowly take their anger from Wednesday’s night on Eastern New Mexico. “We had a slow start,” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Noel Johnson. “Things weren’t falling in line for us.” The Zias maintained a comfortable lead for the majority of the game but the hosts were resolute on coming out victorious. “I laid it into them at halftime and they responded,” said Johnson. “I’m proud of the seniors, their leadership and
how they brought this team out of that deficit.” Carver defined precision by scoring another 18 points to pilot Midwestern State over the Zias. Degelia’s consistency was also in place as the sophomore guard finished with 13 points coupled with seven rebounds. “We came up tight and with savvy due to emotions accompanied with senior night,” said Degelia. “We did what we needed to do and we got the win.” Meanwhile, Precious Herring paced Eastern New Mexico with 17 points while Kiara Tate displayed an outstanding performance of 10 points and 13 rebounds. Jazman Patterson and Karissa Lang rounded up the Lady Mustangs’ colorful scoring with nine and seven points respectively. “This team is amazing and I’m really happy to be a part of it,” said Carver. “I haven’t experienced something like this since I’ve been here.” Johnson saw the win as a crucial one for the team and especially for the seniors, who experienced their last home victory. “Going into the conference tournament with a win is a good momentum for us,” she said. “It gives us a lot of confidence.” After a difficult start, the Lady Mustang came out with a superb 64-55 finish. “The bottom line is that we found a way to win,” said Johnson. “ That is also what we have to do in the tournament.” MSU will commence the Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament against Incarnate Word Thursday. “It is really exciting going into the conference tournament,” said Degelia. “We’re ready to go there and prove that Midwestern deserves to be there.” Tipoff against the Cardinals is set for 12 p.m. at the Allen Event Center.
Ashley Rush goes for a layup in the Lady Mustangs’ victory over Eastern New Mexico Saturday night. Photo by HANNAH HOFMANN