Emporia, Kan. - The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team opened up their 2023-24 regular season against the Lady Bisons of Harding University in the MIAA/GAC Crossover. The Lions outscored the Lady Bisons in the fourth quarter, 30-19, to overcome a third quarter deficit and win, 76-72. The Lions open the regular season 1-0 (0-0 MIAA).

The Lions jumped out to a quick 8-3 lead three minutes into the first quarter off a quick six points from Ryan Franklin in the post. The remainder of the first quarter was a lot of back-and-forth action, resulting in a three point, 17-14, lead for the Lions at the end of the first quarter. Center Ryan Franklin carried the load for the Lions, ending the first 10 minutes with eight points and six rebounds.

The back-and-forth action continued throughout the second quarter, but the Lady Bisons finished the half with a 14-9 scoring advantage and took the lead from the Lions, 28-26. Ryan Franklin finished the half with a near double-double with 12 points (6/10 FG) and eight rebounds.

Both teams began the second half with the same aggression, never allowing the other to have a comfortable lead. The Lady Bisons continued to lead at the end of the third quarter, 53-46.

Kaitlin Hunnicutt and Ryan Franklin combined for a 9-2 run in three minutes, tying the game at 55-55 with seven minutes remaining. It was a fight to the end, bringing eight lead changes in the remaining seven minutes. Brandi Hudson knocked down a layup with 1:11 remaining in the game, giving the Lions a one point lead, to which five points from Kryslyn Jones and game-sealing free throws from Mia Topping was enough to win the game over the Lady Bisons, 76-72.

Ryan Franklin both led the Lions in scoring and posted a double-double with 20 points (9-13 FG), 13 rebounds, and one block. Kryslyn Jones' 16 points (5-14 FG) and Kaitlin Hunnicutt's 15 points (7-16 FG) were crucial parts in the second half comeback for the Lions. Mia Topping posted 11 points (3-10 FG), six assists and four rebounds as well in the win.

The MSSU Women's Basketball team will quickly turn around and play tomorrow, November 11th, at 11:00 AM against Henderson State in Emporia, Kansas for the second and final game of the MIAA/GAC Crossover in White Auditorium.

The Missouri Southern women's basketball season is presented by People's Bank of Seneca, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
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