Maryville, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Lions (8-18, 4-16 MIAA) closed out their season with a 61-49 victory over Northwest Missouri State (6-22, 4-16 MIAA) Saturday afternoon at Bearcat Arena.
Junior Erin Rice led the way offensively as four lions scored in double figures. Rice had 14 poinits, sophomore Shatara Stone and senior Larrita Gipson added 11, while junior Kelby Fritz added 10 points.
Junior Nyzera Fleming led the Lions in rebounding with nine while Gipson and junior Dysyan Malone pulled down seven each. Southern out rebounded the Bearcats 50-46. The Lions have won all five games this season when they out rebounded their opponents. Malone also dished out four assists.
The game was never in doubt as the Lions led the from wire to wire with their largest lead, 16 points, coming with 1:43 left to play in the first half. Fritz had eight of her 10 points in the first half while going a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity stripe.
In the second half Rice scored nine of her 14 points in the second stanza going 3-for-5 from the field.
The win over Northwest eliminated the Bearcats hopes for the MIAA Post-Season Tournament. This will be the first time in 10 years, since the tournament moved to Kansas Ciy, that the Lions will not be making the trip.
