Maryville, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team began MIAA conference play on Thursday, November 30, against the Bearcats of Northwest Missouri. A strong fourth quarter outing was enough for the Bearcats to win game one of conference play over the Lions, 69-59. The Lions advance to 3-3 (0-1 MIAA) on the season.
After a Bearcats three pointer to open the game, the Lions went on a 8-0 run to take an early five point lead with 6:21 left in the quarter. It was a defensive battle in the remaining minutes of the first, but the Lions contained the lead and led the Bearcats, 15-11.
Mia Topping was the leading scorer for the Lions after 10 minutes with six points (2-3 FG, 2-2 FT).
The Bearcats began the second quarter with a 7-0 run to take a 18-15 lead with 6:44 remaining in the half. Despite the Lions never letting the Bearcats take a sizable lead, the Bearcats ended the half with a 29-26 lead.
Brandi Hudson ended the half with a team leading 11 points (3-6 FG, 5-6 FT) and four rebounds.
Mia Topping finished with nine points (3-7 FG, 2-2 FT) and three rebounds after 20 minutes of play.
The Lions scored the first five points of the third quarter and took back the lead, but the Bearcats returned with a 8-0 run to take a 37-31 lead over the Lions with 4:51 remaining in the third. The Lions finished out the quarter strong with a 11-7 scoring advantage, ending the third trailing the Bearcats, 44-42. Three Lions finished the third with 11 points each to lead the Lions in scoring:
Brandi Hudson (5-11 FG, 5-6 FT),
Mia Topping (3-9 FG, 4-6 FT) and
Maggie Sockey (3-4 FG, 5-6 FT).
Despite a 13-point quarter for
Brandi Hudson, the Bearcats outscored the Lions 25-17 in the fourth to take the win over the Lions, 69-59.
Three Lions finished in double-digits on the day.
Brandi Hudson led the Lions with 24 points (9-15 FG, 6-8 FT) and seven rebounds.
Mia Topping posted 14 points (4-13 FG, 4-6 FT), four rebounds and three assists.
Maggie Sockey finished with 12 points (3-4 FG, 6-8 FT) and two steals.
The MSSU Women's Basketball team will travel to St. Joseph, Missouri on December 2 to continue MIAA conference play against #23 Missouri Western at 1:30 PM at the MWSU Fieldhouse.
The Missouri Southern women's basketball season is presented by People's Bank of Seneca, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
