STEPHENVILLE, Texas - The MSU Mustangs took the best shot that Tarleton could give and still delivered a victory, 78-76, over the Texans to stay unbeaten in Lone Star Conference action.

Midwestern State (15-3, 4-0) win their 11th straight game with the victory, as well as snapping Tarleton's (13-2, 1-2) fourteen game home winning streak. The last time the Texans lost a game at Wisdom Gym was one year ago when the Mustangs won in overtime.

The game started in favor of the Texans, seeing Tarleton take an early 7-0 lead on baskets from Michael Hardge and Mo Lee. MSU weathered the storm and powered back over the next 5 minutes to take a 18-17 lead on a triple from Thad Rideau.

Thad Rideau's electric play in the first half kept the Mustangs in the fight. Rideau scored all of his 14 points in the first half.

MSU would see Tarleton re-take the lead and run the score to 31-23 with 6:57 left in the half. The Mustangs continued to fight, cutting the TSU halftime lead to 41-39.

The second half opened with Bretson McNeal scoring 5 straight to give MSU a 44-41 lead. McNeal stayed hot throughout the game despite being in foul trouble. He ended the night with 23 points and 4 fouls.

The Mustangs used the second half to get back to their game, finally grabbing a rebounding edge over the Texans. MSU was outgained 14-13 on the boards at the half and finished by besting Tarleton 36-28 on the glass.

MSU would have multiple leads of nine points throughout the half, as late as 5:04 remaining. MSU big men Abiodun Adegoke and and Khapri Alston went to work, consistently getting inside position on the Texans and scoring in the paint. Adegoke finished with 9 points, 7 in the second half, and Alston scored 14, six in the last frame. Trevor Fuller got defensive as well, swatting 4 Texan shots.

MSU used late free throws and timely rebounds to hang on for the 78-76 win, despite a flurry of Tarleton baskets in the last 90 seconds.

The Mustangs get a well deserved seven day break, returning to Ligon Coliseum on Wednesday, January 21, to host the Angelo State Rams. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. and can be heard on 95.5 ESPN.