Wichita Falls – Freshman Kevin Kotzur had his second straight strong game, but 25 St. Mary’s University turnovers were too much to overcome as the Rattlers fell to Midwestern State University, 83-72, in non-conference men’s basketball action Wednesday night.

Kotzur (Fr., La Vernia, Texas) continued his torrid start to his career, as he hit on 10-of-12 shots to score a game-high 20 points. Kotzur had 16 points in his first collegiate game last Sunday. He also pulled down five rebounds in 32 minutes of action. Curtis Mitchell (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis.) was the only other Rattler to score in double figures with 12 points.

The game was basically won in the first half for the Mustangs as MSU shot 63.0 percent (17-27) from the field, while forcing 13 St. Mary’s turnovers to take a 40-25 lead at the break. The Rattlers were unable to cut the lead to less than 10 points in the second half.

For the game, the Rattlers shot 53.6 percent (30-56) from the field, including 44.4 percent (4-9) from three-point range. They outrebounded MSU 28-25. But the 25 turnovers were key handing the Rattlers their first loss of the season. Five Mustangs scored in double figures, led by Anthony Moore with 14 points.

With the loss, the Rattlers fell to 1-1 this season, while Midwestern State improved to 3-0. St. Mary’s will return to action on Saturday when they host Southwestern College in a non-conference game at noon at Bill Greehey Arena. The game will be broadcast live over the internet at www.rattlerathletics.com.

11/18/09 7:00 pm at Wichita Falls, Texas
Midwestern State 83, St. Mary’s (Texas) 72

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