WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS – Midwestern State scored 49 second half points to turn a close game into an easy 77-61 win for the Mustangs over visiting Texas A&M-Kingsville on Wednesday night in Lone Star Conference South Division play. (box score)

The Mustangs (19-5, 7-3) scored the first 10 points of the game and led 13-2 before the Javelinas (8-15, 3-8) fought their way back into the game. Phillip Belford (Robstown/Robstown HS) scored eight first half points to spark the Hoggies and make it a 28-24 MSU lead at the half.

In the second half, the Mustangs quickly pushed the lead to double figures and then a 17-5 run made it a 20-point ball game. The Javelinas were able to cut the lead to 10 points after a pair of free throws by Adam Morris (Goliad/Goliad HS) with 7:47 to play, but that was as close as they would get.

Belford led the Javelinas with a career high 14 points and five rebounds. He went 5-of-6 from the field and was a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point range in 24 minutes. Reid Wallace (Spring/Tomball HS) added 10 points off the bench. Mark Stevenson (South Bend, IN/R.J. Reynolds HS) added nine points and team high seven rebounds.

The Javelinas shot 40.8 percent from the field, made 7-of-26 three-point attempts and were 14-for-21 from the foul line. They committed 18 turnovers and grabbed 31 rebounds.

The Mustangs shot 55.1 percent from the field, made 5-of-19 three-point attempts and were 18-for-28 at the foul line. Chris Hagan led the team with 26 points and five assists. David Terrell added 12 points and five rebounds while making all five of his field goal attempts. The team committed 13 turnovers and grabbed 34 rebounds.

The Javelinas are back in action on Saturday at 3 p.m. against Tarleton State.
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