Claremore, Okla. – The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball traveled to Claremore, Okla. to take on the Hillcats of Rogers State University in the conference opener. A low scoring battle was won with a late run by the Lions to take the conference opener, 57-54.
Missouri Southern (8-4, 1-0 MIAA) vs. Rogers State (4-4, 0-1 MIAA)
Quarter 1: Missouri Southern 13 | Rogers State 8
Both team's defenses were on full display in the opening minutes of conference play as the Lions and Hillcats were tied at 4-4 halfway through the first quarter. The Lions would follow with a five-point run (
Morgan Meyers free throw,
Makenna Yokley jumper and two
Ryan Franklin free throws) to grow their lead to 9-4 with only 2:40 remaining in the first quarter. The Lions defense continued to shut down the Hillcats offense, only allowing eight total points as the Lions led 13-8 at the end of the quarter.
Quarter 2: Missouri Southern 23 | Rogers State 22
The Hillcats began the second quarter with three unanswered points, but the Lions would respond with two free throws from
Kaitlin Hunnicutt and a layup from
Mackenzie Hart to slightly grow their lead to 17-11 with 6:46 until halftime. The Hillcats began to find their offense and tied the game with a 6-0 run (17-17; 4:36 remaining in the second quarter). Both teams traded baskets until halftime, but it was the Lions who would enter the locker room with a one point, 23-22, lead.
Quarter 3: Missouri Southern 37 | Rogers State 35
The Hillcats opened the third quarter with an 8-4 run to take a 30-28 lead with 4:47 remaining.
Ryan Franklin would lead the offense with five of a 9-5 run for the Lions to end the quarter with a 37-35 lead.
Quarter 4: Missouri Southern 57 | Rogers State 54
A jumper from
Kaitlin Hunnicutt would conclude an 8-6 run to begin the final quarter as the Lions led 45-41 with 6:36 remaining. The Hillcats continued to keep the game close, tying the score at 45-45 halfway through the quarter. Despite a layup from
Ryan Franklin, the Hillcats would regain the lead with 3:45 remaining in the game (50-47). The Lions responded in the closing minutes with a 7-0 run from
Mackenzie Hart (three points),
Morgan Meyers (two points) and Franklin (two points) to take a 54-50 lead with one minute remaining. It was a free throw battle in the final 60 seconds, but the Lions would come out on top with a 57-54 victory to open conference play 1-0.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Points: Ryan Franklin - 13
Rebounds: Ryan Franklin - 8
Assists: Kennady Roach - 2
Steals: Mackenzie Hart - 2
Blocks: n/a
Rogers State Leaders:
Points: Ella Hafer - 14
Rebounds: Ella Hafer - 10
Assists: Alyza Aikins, Destiny Jones - 2
Steals: Jaiana Wiggins - 2
Blocks: Alyza Aikins, Michelle Arens - 1
Up Next:
The Lions will take on the Bronchos of the University of Central Oklahoma in the final road game of 2024 on Sunday, December 8, at 1:30 PM in Edmond, Okla. at Hamilton Field House.
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