MSU Men beat Northeastern State 81-76

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - The Midwestern State University Mustangs overcame a 13-point second half deficit to post an 81-76 Lone Star Conference divisional crossover victory against LSC North leader Northeastern State University (Okla.) Thursday night at Stockton Court in Ligon Coliseum.

MSU (10-5) let NSU (10-4) take a lead away from them in the first half as the Redmen went on a 16-2 run over the last five minutes of the opening frame to hold a 39-29 advantage.

Northeastern held a 13-point lead with 13:27 to play when MSU started a 13-3 run over the next four minutes when Mustang Eric Dawson picked Sid Melvin's pocket, and scoring with a pounding slam dunk.

Northeastern edged the lead from three back to seven at 68-61 when Dawson again started a run with a layup and free throw at the 5:06 mark. á That keyed a 12-0 run in the next two minutes that put the game in MSU's hands.

Clutch free throws were again good for MSU. á Chad Rickett stepped up to hit 3-of-4 charity tosses in the last 21 seconds and Allen Houston hit 1-of-2 to keep the Mustangs in the lead.

Dawson had another outstanding performance, leading MSU with a season-high 28 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. á Senior LaKeith Grant added 13 points, while Rickett came off the bench with nine points. á Tilmon Gaddy pulled down seven boards as well.

NSU got 30 points and eight rebounds from Melvin, who hit 4-of-8 from the three-point arc and 10-of-11 from the foul line. á Pat Moore dropped in 13 points and Cody Hopkins 12 points, each with six boards.

MSU shot 49.0 percent from the floor and 81 percent from the foul line, while NSU hit 44 percent from the field and 77 percent from the line.

MSU closes divisional crossover action on Saturday by continuing it's four-game homestand against Central Oklahoma. á The game will tip at 8 p.m., following the women's contest between MSU and UCO.

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