Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team hosted the #15 Tigers of Fort Hays State on Thursday, January 11, in the Lions fourth nationally-ranked matchup in the previous five games. A 20-0 run to close the first half was enough for the Lions to defeat the Tigers in their seventh-straight victory, 67-58. The Lions advance to 10-4 (6-2 MIAA) on the season.
The first quarter was an even back-and-forth matchup, with both teams shooting a matching 6-14 (42.9%) from the field. Two free throws was all the difference as the Lions trailed the Tigers 15-13 at the end of the first.
Mira Khan led the Lions in scoring with six points (3-3 FG) and a steal.
The Tigers continued to hold a small lead through the first two-and-a-half minutes, but the Lions then began to take control and went on a dominant 20-0 run, not allowing the Tigers score in the last 7:39 of the first half. The incredible run led to the Lions taking a 38-21 lead at the half.
Brandi Hudson led the way for the Lions with 11 points (5-6 FG, 1-1 FT) and four rebounds.
Ryan Franklin posted 10 points (5-6 FG), two rebounds and two assists.
Mira Khan finished the half with a new career-high, scoring nine points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3P) and grabbing a team-high seven rebounds.
The Lions continued to put pressure on the #15 Tigers in the third and added to their lead, outscoring them 18-15. The Lions had their best shooting performance in the third, making 60 percent of their shots.
The nationally-ranked Tigers were not going down without a fight, going on a 12-0 run to lower their deficit to 10, 60-50, with 6:20 left to play. Despite the pressure, a 7-0 run from Missouri Southern was enough for the Lions to walk away with their seventh-straight win on the season as they defeated #15 Fort Hays State, 67-58.
Three Lions finished in double-digits in the upset.
Ryan Franklin led the Lions with 16 points (8-14 FG), four rebounds and two blocks.
Mira Khan posted her first career double-double with 13 points (6-9 FG) and 10 rebounds, which were both career-highs as well.
Brandi Hudson rounded out the double-digit scoring with 13 points (6-7 FG) and six rebounds.
The MSSU Women's Basketball team will stay in Joplin to host the Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, January 13, in Leggett and Platt Athletic Center at 1:30 PM.
The Missouri Southern women's basketball season is presented by People's Bank of Seneca, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
