Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Women's basketball team (18-5, 14-3 MIAA) host the Gorillas of Pittsburg State after taking their first loss in 70 days to Central Missouri at home, 78-65. Previous to the Jennies, the Lions defeated Lincoln at home, 76-57, after going perfect on the road against Central Oklahoma, 64-58, and Newman, 77-37. This is the second time the Lions are seeing the Gorillas this season, handing the Gorillas their second loss of the season on January 6 in Pittsburg, 71-65.

Game Information
Teams: Missouri Southern vs Pittsburg State
Date: February 17
Tip-Off: 1:30 PM
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series Record: Lions trail 57-47 | Last Meeting: 1/6/2024, MSSU won 71-65

Coaches
MSSU: Ronnie Ressel | 8th season at MSSU | 127-101 record
PSU: Amanda Davied | 5th season at PSU | 86-47 record

Media Coverage
Live Audio/Video/Stats - https://www.mssulions.com/coverage
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/mssuwbb
Lions on Twitter: @mssuwbb; @mososports
Lions on Instagram: @mssuwbb

Scouting the Lions
The Missouri Southern Lions host the Gorillas of Pittsburg State after taking their first loss in 70 days to Central Missouri at home, 78-65. Previous to the Jennies, the Lions defeated Lincoln at home, 76-57, after going perfect on the road against Central Oklahoma, 64-58, and Newman, 77-37. This is the second time the Lions are seeing the Gorillas this season, handing the Gorillas their second loss of the season on January 6 in Pittsburg, 71-65.

Brandi Hudson led the Lions with 27 points (8-11 FG, 11-11 FT) and three steals in the loss to the Jennies. 

Ryan Franklin leads the Lions in points per game with 11.7 ppg. Three other Lions average double-digit points per game as well, Kryslyn Jones (11.4), Brandi Hudson (11.0) and Kaitlin Hunnicutt (10.9). Ryan Franklin also leads the rebounding category with 6.1 rpg.

Scouting the Gorillas
The Gorillas of Pittsburg State travel to Joplin after a 18-5 (12-5 MIAA) start to their season. The Gorillas are currently riding a six game win streak with most recently victories at home against Lincoln, 88-70, and Central Missouri, 82-80. Previous to the Jennies, the Gorillas defeated Newman, 83-43, and Central Oklahoma, 77-57, on the road.

Leading the scoring for Pittsburg State is Grace Pyle, a 5-11 Junior Forward. Through 23 games, Pyle is tied for third in the MIAA in scoring with 16.7 points per game on 40.1% shooting from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arch. Pyle is also a two-time MIAA Athlete of the Week.

Two other Gorillas average double-digits as well, another two-time MIAA Athlete of the Week Karenna Gerber (16.3) and Macie Mays (11.1). The leading rebounder for Pittsburg State is also Gerber, who averages 7.0 rebounds per game.

The Missouri Southern women's basketball season is presented by People's Bank of Seneca, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.