Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team hosted their first game of the season on Thursday, December 7, against the Bronchos of Central Oklahoma in MIAA play. A dominant final three quarters paved the way for the Lions to get their first conference win of the season over the Bronchos, 86-65. The Lions advance to 4-4 (1-2 MIAA) on the season.
It was a slow start for the Lions offensively, but a 6-0 run helped give the Lions a 16-14 lead with 1:32 remaining in the first. Despite the Bronchos ending the quarter with a 11-6 rebound advantage and shooting a higher field goal percntage, the Lions ended the quarter tied with the Bronchos, 19-19.
Kryslyn Jones lead the Lions in scoring in the first with six points (2-3 FG).
It was a back-and-forth start to the second quarter as the Lions only lead by one point with 7:33 left in the first half. The Lions began to find their stride and finished the remainder of the quarter with a 16-8 scoring advantage, end the first half with a 39-30 lead over the Bronchos.
Kaitlin Hunnicutt found her stride in the second quarter, putting up 11 points (4-8 FG, 1-1 FT) at halftime.
Ryan Franklin was everywhere for the Lions in the first half, scoring 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-4 FT) and grabbing four rebounds.
The Bronchos began the third quarter with a 9-2 run in the first two and a half minutes of play, decreasing their deficit to 41-39. The Lions returned with a 8-0 run, lead by
Kaitlin Hunnicutt with seven of the eight points, and took a 49-39 lead with 5:36 remaining. It was an even 10-10 scoring from both teams to end the third quarter with a 59-49 Lion lead.
Kaitlin Hunnicutt doubled her scoring in the third and had 22 points (8-12 FG, 3-3 FT), two rebounds and two steals.
The Lions continued to dominate in the second half, outscoring the Bronchos 27-16 in the fourth and winning their first conference game of the season, 86-65.
Four Lions finished in double-digits in the victory.
Kaitlin Hunnicutt led the Lions with a career-high 25 points (9-13 FG, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Ryan Franklin finished with her third double-double this season, posting 21 points (8-12 FG, 5-10 FT), 13 rebounds and two blocks.
Kryslyn Jones finished with 14 points (4-9 FG, 3-4 FT), two rebounds and two steals.
Maggie Sockey rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points (1-6 FG, 10-10 FT), five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The MSSU Women's Basketball team will complete a two-game homestand in a conference matchup against the Jets of Newman University on December 9 at 1:30 PM at Leggett and Platt Athletic Center.
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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