Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball took on the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico Tigers on day two of the Puerto Rico Classic. The Lions dominated from start to finish, holding their largest lead over the Tiger of 39 points. Southern would run a 24-point scoring run against Interamericana de Puerto Rico to take the 68-32 win.
Missouri Southern (7-4) vs. Interamericana (P.R.) (0-3)
Quarter 1: Missouri Southern 18 | Interamericana (P.R.) 4
Morgan Meyers set the tone early for the Lions, opening the game from the deep. The Tigers answered to put up back-to-back two-pointers for a one-point lead (4-3).
Ava Pautz made two free throws and sparked a scoring surge for Southern fueled by
Grace Frazier,
Makenna Yokley, and
Mia Topping. The Lions would hold the Tigers scoreless for the remainder of the first quarter to lead 18-4.
Quarter 2: Missouri Southern 38 | Interamericana (P.R.) 11
The Lions pulled an 18-point lead to start the second quarter from back-to-back baskets by
Ryan Franklin (22-4). Interamericana (P.R.) found the net from the line at the halfway point for their first baskets of the second quarter. In the final four minutes of play, the Lions would see baskets from
Makenna Yokley (two),
Grace Frazier, and
Ava Pautz (two) to lead 38-11 heading into the half.
Quarter 3: Missouri Southern 55 | Interamericana (P.R.) 18
The Lions opened the third quarter with baskets from
Ryan Franklin,
Veonce Powell, and
Kennady Roach for a 33-point advantage over the Tigers (6:54-minute mark). Interamericana (P.R.) answered with a jumper, but Southern maintained their dominance, capping the quarter with a smooth layup from
Makenna Yokley.
Quarter 4: Missouri Southern 68 | Interamericana (P.R.) 32
The Tigers used a four-point scoring jump to kick-start the fourth quarter;
Ryan Franklin broke their momentum from the floor. Interamericana (P.R.) responded with a 5-2 scoring run to work to close the gap (61-28).
Ava Pautz and
Makenna Yokley combine for five points with three minutes remaining in the game (65-29). Both teams would trade baskets, and the Lions took the 68-32 victory.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Points: Makenna Yokley - 17
Rebounds: Ava Pautz - 9
Assists: Grace Frazier – 6
Steals: Mia Topping – 4
Blocks: Mackenzie Hart,
Veonce Powell,
Makenna Yokley - 1
Interamericana (P.R.) Leaders:
Points: Siuly Burgos / Cristal Diaz – 9
Rebounds: Franchesca Torres – 6
Assists: Franchesca Torres – 2
Steals: Siuly Burgos – 4
Blocks: Franchesca Torres – 2
Up Next:
The Lions will return to the court on Wednesday, December 4 when they travel to take on the Roger State University Hillcats in the conference opener. Tip-off is set for 5:30 pm.
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