Topeka, Kan. - The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team traveled to Topeka, Kansas on Thursday, January 17, to take on the Ichabods of Washburn University in a conference matchup. The Lions defense dominated on the road as they won their ninth straight game, defeating the Ichabods 69-50. The Lions advance to 12-4 (8-2 MIAA) on the season.

It was a rough start offensively for both teams as both had only made one shot, both shooting under 20 percent from the field, in the first five minutes of play. The Ichabods then began to build a lead, forcing four Lion turnovers that turned into four points to take a 8-4 lead with 3:56 left in the first. The Lions ended the quarter with a 8-3 scoring advantage to take a 12-11 lead, only allowing Washburn to convert 17.6 percent of their shots from the field. Ryan Franklin ended the quarter with a team-high four points (2-3 FG) and one rebound.

The second quarter began much like the first. Through the first six minutes of play the Lions defense did not allow any points (0-6 FG) for the Ichabods, but only could return with six points (2-7 FG) of their own. The Lions defense continued to dictate the game, not allowing the Ichabods to convert a single field goal in the entire second quarter. The Lions bench converted 21 of the 28 total points in the half as they entered the locker room with a 28-12 lead. Brandi Hudson led the Lions at half with seven points (1-3 FG, 5-6 FT), four rebounds and two steals. Ryan Franklin posted six points (3-5 FG) and one rebound.

The Lions defense continued to dominate early in the third as it took the Ichabods until 8:01 in the third quarter to get their first field goal since 3:56 in the first. The game then became much more competitive as a 9-8 scoring advantage for the Ichabods decreased their deficit to 36-21 with 4:30 remaining in the third. On the offensive end, the Lions had their best shooting performance in the third as they converted 81.8 percent of their shots to end the quarter with a 50-29 lead.

It was a back-and-forth battle to start the final quarter as the Lions edged-out a 17-15 scoring advantage in the first seven minutes. Despite the Ichabods outsourcing the Lions to finish the  game, an all around defense masterpiece was the difference maker as the Lions made it nine straight wins with a 69-50 victory over the Ichabods.

Two Lions finished in double-digits in the victory. Ryan Franklin finished with her third 20 point game of the season with 20 points (9-13 FG, 2-2 FT), two assists and a rebound. Brandi Hudson was everywhere, posting 13 points (4-6 FG, 5-8 FT), nine rebounds and four steals. Morgan Meyers fell one point shy of double-digits but assisted the Lions in the win with a career-high nine points (3-5 FG, 3-4 3P), four rebounds and three assists. 

The MSSU Women's Basketball team will remain in Kansas and head to Emporia to take on Emporia State on Sunday, January 21, in White Auditorium 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. Read Full Article