WICHITA FALLS, Texas – St. Mary's sophomore
Caleb Jordan poured in a career-high 27 points on Saturday afternoon, leading the Rattlers to an 80-72 victory over Midwestern State University for their second straight Lone Star Conference victory. The 27-point performance marks the fifth 20+ point game this season for the Midlothian, Texas native.
Two other Rattlers scored in double figures led by
Kobe Magee (San Antonio) who netted 16 and
Markques Houston (Houston) who chipped in with 13.
St. Mary's hit double digit three-pointers for the third straight game and seventh time this season. The Rattlers finished 10-of-23 from long distance.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Jordan got going early as he scored the first six points for the Rattlers but it was a back-and-forth affair for the first nine minutes of the contest. With 11:45 remaining in the half, Magee knocked down a jumper that sparked a short 6-0 burst from the Rattlers to put St. Mary's in front, 25-17.
Midwestern State had their turn with a run as they used a 7-0 run to get within two with just over five minutes left to play in the opening frame. St. Mary's managed to stay in front and took a 40-33 lead into the locker room.
Jordan gave St. Mary's their first double figure lead of the game when he hit a layup in transition to put the Rattlers up 44-33 early in the second half. The Rattlers remained in control as
Jaron Presley (Katy, Texas) gave St. Mary's its largest lead of the game at 52-35 when he knocked down a triple in transition.
Midway through the second half the Mustangs went on a 10-2 run to cut the Rattlers' lead to nine points with 10:25 to play but St. Mary's answered with a quick 5-0 run to build their lead back to 14 points.
A pair of free throws with 1:16 to go brought Midwestern State within four points but as they have done the whole game, St. Mary's responded with a 6-0 run to put the game out of reach. The Rattlers converted five of their final six field goal attempts to seal the win.
UP NEXT
The Rattlers return to Bill Greehey Arena to host Texas A&M International on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Texas A&M Kingsville on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m.
