SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Missouri Southern State (1-0, 0-0 Mid-America Intercollegiate) edged Augustana University (SD) (0-1, 0-0 NSIC), 86-84, with a dominating 52 points in the paint and a critical overtime performance.
Missouri Southern State started strong against Augustana, with
Delaney Roller sinking a three-pointer at 7:53 to narrow the deficit to 7-5. Augustana responded with consistent play, but Missouri Southern kept pace, eventually taking their first lead with
Makenna Yokley's free throws at 3:22, making it 14-13. Roller continued to make an impact with another three-pointer at 2:40 to extend their lead to 17-13.
Grace Frazier's layup with just 20 seconds remaining ensured Missouri Southern held a narrow 20-18 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Missouri Southern extended their lead early in the second quarter with a jumper from Frazier, making it 22-18.
Ashlyn Alloway contributed significantly with multiple scoring efforts, including a layup at 2:03 and a free throw at 7:44, helping maintain a competitive edge. Augustana responded with Isabella Sanneh and Addie Hanna effectively converting free throws and field goals, tying the game at 29-29 with 6:11 left. In the closing minutes, Augustana's Clarissa Sauer and Mia Donald secured the lead with key jumpers, including Donald's layup at the buzzer, ending the quarter at 46-40 in favor of the home team.
In the third period, Missouri Southern outscored Augustana 21-12, closing the gap significantly. Alloway led the charge for the visitors, contributing key points in the paint, including a layup at 1:55 that tied the game at 58 and a subsequent free throw that gave her team the lead. Augustana struggled to maintain their advantage despite Sauer's efforts, including a successful free throw at 6:45 that briefly extended their lead. A late layup by
Lilly Thomas at 1:21 pushed Missouri Southern ahead, and they maintained their advantage until the clock ran out.
The fourth quarter was a tightly contested battle between MSSU and Augustana, with several lead changes. Alloway's two free throws at the start gave Missouri Southern a slight edge, but Augustana quickly responded with a pair of free throws by Sanneh to pull within one point. With 7:45 remaining, Payton Hardy converted two free throws to give Augustana a 64-63 lead. Southern regained momentum with Thomas scoring a layup at 4:32, pushing her team ahead 69-68. In the final minute, Hardy's layup tied the game at 78-78, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Both teams missed critical shots in the closing seconds, resulting in a draw at the end of regulation.
Frazier's layup and subsequent free throw at 4:20 tied the game at 81-81 for Missouri Southern.
Nariah Clay's layup at 2:32 put Southern ahead, 83-81. As the clock wound down, Frazier made two crucial free throws at 0:25, extending their lead to 85-81. Augustana's Sanneh missed a late layup, which was blocked by Alloway, who also secured the defensive rebound. Alloway then hit a free throw with 8 seconds remaining to seal the 86-84 victory, despite Hardy's three-pointer at the buzzer.
Missouri Southern now turns its attention to Saturday's road matchup against the University of Mary, with tipoff set for 6 p.m.
