The No. 12 Tarleton State University Texan basketball team defeated No. 23 Midwestern State University in a nail-biting game in Wichita Falls on Feb. 4.

MSU started off the scoring with what would be their only lead of the half. Tarleton followed up with a 7-0 run triggered by a set of free throws from Mo Lee before MSU was able to get a free throw to end the run.

The Texans were able to get as much as a seven point lead at 20-13 during the first half with 6:40 until the break.

MSU then answered with a 7-0 run of their own to tie it up at 20 all with 5:14 left in the first half.

Scoring went back and fourth until the buzzer sounded at 29-24, TSU, to signify the end of the first.

The second half stared out like the first with the first points coming from MSU before a layup from Tashawn Mabry increased the Texans’ lead back to five.

A 7-0 lead happened again ending with a 3-pointer from Nosa Ebomwonyi to make it 36-26, Texans.

The Mustangs were able to get within three points of the Texans (44-41) with 8:49 left in the game, but Tarleton would not allow a closer game than that until the 6:19 mark.

A 3-pointer from the Mustangs put the fans on the edge with the score at 48-46, Texans.

A tie then proceeded at 50 all with less than four minutes to play. A pair of free throws from Lee gave the Texans a two-point lead until yet another tie.

A free throw from the Mustangs with just over a minute left was the last score for the home team. Tarleton was able to keep their rivals from scoring in the final minute and managed to increase their lead to five before the final buzzer.

Mabry was the Texans’ leading scorer with 17 points, while Lee followed close behind with 16.

Tarleton was 90% from the free throw line compared to MSU’s 26.7%. The Texans were also 34.1% from inside the 3-point line.

The next game for the Texans will be Feb. 7 in their home gym against Cameron University. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.