Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team hosted the Blue Tigers of Lincoln University in a conference matchup. A huge second quarter on both ends set the tone for the game as the Lions went on to win their 15th straight game, defeating Lincoln 76-57. The MIAA-leading Lions advance to 18-4 (14-2 MIAA) on the season.

It was another slow start for the Lions offensively as they were 2-8 (25%) from the field in the first six minutes of play. The Lions defense was key to an early lead, forcing four Blue Tiger turnovers and only allowing them to convert 2-10 (20%) of their shots as the Lions led 10-4 with 3:12 remaining in the first. The same momentum carried through the end of the quarter as the Lions finished the first 10 minutes with a 14-9 lead. Brandi Hudson led the Lions in the first quarter with four points (2-2 FG).


The Lions began to form a rhythm in the second, beginning the quarter on a 11-0 run and forcing six Blue Tiger turnovers in the first five minutes. The Lions were much more efficient from the field to begin the second, converting 6-10 (60%) from the field in the first six minutes of play while holding the Blue Tigers to 1-6 (16.7%) from the field. The Lions controlled both sides of the court throughout the second and went into the halftime locker room with a 39-18 lead. Brandi Hudson continued to lead the Lions in scoring with eight points (4-5 FG), two rebounds and two steals. Kaitlin Hunnicutt was efficient from beyond the arch, scoring six points (2-4 FG, 2-3 3P) and grabbing two steals.

Both teams were getting it done offensively to start the third as the Lions held a 12-11 scoring advantage in the first five minutes of play. The quarter was even all around from both squads, as the Lions added three points to their lead after three quarters, 67-43. Kaitlin Hunnicutt caught fire in the third, scoring 14 points in the quarter. The Lions also were finding their teammates well, assisting on seven of the eight buckets in the quarter. 

The Blue Tigers began to put up a fight in the fourth, beginning the first five minutes of the quarter with a 12-4 scoring advantage and forcing four Lion turnovers. The Lions defense stepped up huge to not let the Blue Tigers add onto their run and kept the game unreachable as the Lions went on to win their 15th straight game of the season, defeating Lincoln 76-57. 

Three Lions finished in double-digits in the victory. The birthday girl Kaitlin Hunnicutt led the Lions with 20 points (6-11 FG, 5-8 3P), five steals and two rebounds. Ryan Franklin finished the game with 10 points (5-7 FG) and six rebounds. Brandi Hudson rounded out the double-digit scoring with 10 points (5-6 FG), three rebounds and two steals. The Lions defense was the key to the win, converting 22 Blue Tiger turnovers into 17 points. The Lions also dominated the assists category, assisting on 17 of the 26 total made buckets.

The MSSU Women's Basketball team will stay in Joplin for game two of a  three-game homestand, hosting Central Missouri on Saturday, February 10, at 1:30 PM in Leggett and Platt Athletic Center.

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