MSU women down ENMU 81-78

PORTALES, N.M. - Senior Katie Robertson buried a three-point jumper with 32.3 seconds to play to help lift the Midwestern State University Mustangs to an 81-78 Lone Star Conference South win over the Eastern New Mexico Zias Saturday night at Greyhound Arena.

MSU went to 8-11 on the season, 2-4 in LSC South play, while ENMU went to 0-5 in the conference and 8-12 overall.

It was a strong battle for both teams in the contest that saw eight ties and 14 lead changes. á Both squads had runs of 10-0 in the game and it was tight through the final buzzer.

Eastern tied the score at 76-all with 55 seconds to play on a Heather Brown jumper. á MSU used it's next possession to run the shot clock down, with less than two seconds left on the timer, Robertson buried her trey, giving MSU the 79-76 lead.

Brown was fouled with 14 seconds to go and hit both free throws to pull within a point, but senior Katherine Maples got the inbounds pass and was fouled. á She connected on one-of-two shots, allowing ENMU a shot to tie or go ahead.

However, Brown's three was errant and LaTia Banks got the board for the Mustangs. á She followed suit with one-of-two free throws for the three-point lead with 3.0 seconds left and ENMU couldn't get another shot.

Maples paced the Mustangs, scoring 27-points and pulling down a career-high 19 rebounds. á Robertson posted 15 points, while Banks had 12 for MSU.

Tiana Bryant led Eastern New Mexico with 20 points and seven boards. á Missy Kirkland added 19, Brown 12 and Rosalyn Elliott 11. á Brittany Gillespie had eight rebounds to lead the Zias.

MSU continues a road swing on Wednesday night in San Angelo against Angelo State. á Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Stephens Arena in the Junell Center.

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