Texans fall in nail biter

Photo+courtesy%3A+tarletonsports.com

Photo courtesy: tarletonsports.com

The opening week for basketball at Tarleton State University tipped-off Wednesday against Lone Star Conference rival Midwestern State University. The Mustangs entered this chapter of the rivalry hot off a three game winning streak, thanks to their tall frontcourt personnel. Tarleton Coach Lonn Riesman’s entered the game with a .720 all time win-percent for January achieving the ranking of 10th in the nation, third in the LSC, and the Texans 25th consecutive week in the top 25.

Tarleton claimed control in the opening 5 minutes of the half- Mike Hardge accounted for 6 points during the 14-10 run. After Mo Lee posted points of his own, the score read 26-23 in favor of Tarleton with 08:30 left before halftime.

The Texans remained in the lead with 02:05 left in the half due to tenacious rebounds in the latter moments of the opening period.

Halftime rendered the Mustangs in a 41-39 deficit, but missed rebound opportunities on offense and defense quickly prompted Midwestern to an early 49-45 advantage.

As the time neared seven and a half minutes, Tarleton trailed by only three points while Mike Hardge made one of his two attempts from the line, and minimized Tarleton’s deficit to 6 points (65-59).

Coach Riesman would sub the Texan starters in with 06:53 left, which quickly resulted in Mo Lee augmenting the score 67-60 in favor of the home crowd.  

Mike Hardge would make both free throws with 04:48 left, but ultimately despite trailing by two points with 36 seconds in the game, Midwestern would get a trip to the line and secure their 76-74 victory over the Texans. 

The Texans next opponent would be on the road Saturday against the Aggies of Cameron University.