Over the weekend, the Southwest Minnesota State Rolling Mustangs traveled to Stillwater, Okla., for five games.  SMSU dropped its first two games, before winning two of its final three in Stillwater.

Game 1 Recap:

The weekend began with a showdown with No. 3 Texas-Arlington.  SMSU played excellent team defense holding this high-powered offense to 52 total points on 47.2 percent shooting.  However the Mustangs struggled from the floor shooting only 26.4 percent and only scoring a meager 32 points of their own.

In the loss, the Mustangs were led by Evan Thorn with 10 points while, Thomas Abrahamson added seven points on 3-of-5 shooting.

Game 2 Recap:

SMSU came out of the gates strong against No. 4 Arizona and took a 27-17 lead into the half. The Mustangs took the lead as far as 14 points in the second half until they ran into foul trouble.  In the end the Wildcats pressure defense proved too much for the Mustangs as they lost by 10.

Team leaders were Evan Thorn with 14 points and 10 rebounds.  Kyle Timmerman had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Nathan Carruth added 11 boards of his own.

Game 3 Recap:

The Rolling Mustangs got their first win of the season Saturday night against a much improved University of Missouri.  The game was a close one in the first half as both teams went back-and-forth. SMSU took a slim 30-27 lead into the break.  In the second half however, the Mustangs' production increased on both ends of the floor as they cruised to a 60-49 victory.

Leading the Mustangs to victory were Evan Thorn with 17 points, Nathan Carruth with 12 points, Kyle Timmerman with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Thomas Abrahamson added eight points.

Game 4 Recap:

SMSU's most disappointing loss of the young season came at the hands of the University of Alabama.  The young and quick team from Alabama had a strong perimeter game and solid pressure defense that proved too much the Mustangs.  Shooting problems again was the downfall as SMSU shot only 38.2 percent.

Evan Thorn recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Game 5 Recap:

The Mustangs finished the weekend on a high note with a lopsided victory over Oklahoma State. Great defensive effort lead to a 37-8 halftime score.  In the end the Mustangs shot 49 percent and won the game 55-23.  Team leaders included Evan Thorn with 19 points, Nathan Carruth with 13 points and Kyle Timmerman had 12 points.

Coach's Notes:

“We proved this weekend that we can play great defense on anyone, but despite good shot selection we are not shooting well right now,” co-head coach Paul Weiland said.  “If we can stay out of foul trouble and convert on more of our easy baskets we will be able to compete with the best teams in the nation.”

The Mustangs next action will be next weekend at the University of Edinboro (Pa.).