CANYON, Texas – The #2 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M used stingy defense and a big second half to remain unbeaten on Thursday night during Lone Star Conference action in front of 1,187 fans at the First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas with a 64-46 win over the rival Mustangs of Midwestern State during a Highway 287 Challenge Cup matchup.
 
THE BASICS:
 - Score: #2 West Texas A&M 64, Midwestern State 46
-  Records: WT (13-0, 5-0 LSC) / MSU (7-4, 4-1 LSC)
 - Location: Canyon, Texas
 - Venue: First United Bank Center
 - Series (Streak): WT Leads 48-14 (W8)
 
LEADING THE WAY (Statistical Leaders):
 - Points: Madison Parker (WT, 13 Points), Deleyah Harris (WT, 12 Points), Hannah Reynolds (MSU, 11 Points), Tyesha Taylor (WT, 10 Points), Micheline Mercelita (MSU, 10 Points)
 - Rebounds: Madison Parker (WT, 9 Rebounds), Tyesha Taylor (WT, 7 Rebounds), Deleyah Harris (WT, 7 Rebounds), Jasmine Richardson (MSU, 7 Rebounds)
 - Assists: Megan Gamble (WT, 7 Assists), Sydney Walton (WT, 6 Assists)
 - Steals: Deleyah Harris (WT, 2 Steals), Lexy Hightower (WT, 2 Steals), Tiana Parker (WT, 2 Steals)
 - Blocks: Tiana Parker (WT, 3 Blocks), Tyesha Taylor (WT, 2 Blocks)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- West Texas A&M was led offensively by Madison Parker with 13 points as the Canyon product went 6-of-10 from the floor followed by Deleyah Harris with 12 points and Tyesha Taylor with 10, Megan Gamble dished out a game high seven assists on the night while Tiana Parker blocked three shots.
- Hannah Reynolds went 4-of-7 from the floor including 3-of-4 from the free throw line to lead Midwestern State with 11 points followed by Micheline Mercelita with 10 while Jasmine Richardson grabbed seven rebounds with two assists.
 
FIRST HALF:
- The Lady Buffs went 12-of-28 (42.9%) from the floor including 2-of-12 (16.7%) from deep and 3-of-8 (37.5%) from the free throw line with 17 rebounds (four offensive, 13 defensive), eight assists, seven turnovers, three blocks and five steals in the opening half.
- Midwestern State finished the first half going 11-of-26 (42.3%) from the field including 2-of-4 (50%) from behind the arc and 2-of-6 (33.3%) from the charity stripe with 20 rebounds (four offensive, 16 defensive), six assists, nine turnovers, one block and two steals.
 
SECOND HALF:
- WT finished the game going 27-of-61 (44.3%) from the floor including 3-of-20 (15%) from deep and 7-of-15 (46.7%) from the free throw line with 38 rebounds (11 offensive, 27 defensive), 20 assists, 11 turnovers, six blocks and 11 steals.
- MSU went 17-of-51 (33.3%) from the floor including 2-of-12 (16.7%) from behind the arc and 10-of-18 (55.6%) from the free throw line with 40 rebounds (11 offensive, 29 defensive), 11 assists, 19 turnovers, three blocks and two steals in the loss.
 
UP NEXT:
The Lady Buffs conclude their homestand on Saturday afternoon as they host the Cameron Aggies with tipoff set for 2 p.m. at the First United Bank Center in Canyon during Lone Star Conference action.