QUINCY, Ill. — Missouri Southern State (3-2) defeated McKendree (2-1), 86-67, at Pepsi Arena with a commanding 30 points off turnovers. Missouri Southern maintained control with 42 points in the paint and 11 steals, despite both teams committing 23 personal fouls.
Southern now holds a 3-2 overall record. McKendree is 2-1 overall in 2025-26.
Grace Frazier scored 21 points, including 6 of 7 from the free-throw line, and recorded four steals.
Delaney Roller added 19 points, converting 5 of 7 attempts from beyond the arc.
Nariah Clay posted nine points and contributed five assists while collecting seven rebounds.
Ashlyn Alloway finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, also tallying two steals.
Missouri Southern State started strong in the opening quarter, quickly establishing a 6-0 lead with three-pointers from
Nariah Clay and
Delaney Roller. The visiting team extended their advantage to 10-0 with an assist from
Grace Frazier that led to a fastbreak layup by
Ashlyn Alloway at 8:21. McKendree responded with a layup by Emma Slings to get on the board, but the Lions maintained control, boosted by Roller's second three-pointer at 5:56. Despite McKendree's attempts to close the gap, including a fastbreak layup and free throw by Kylie Moeller at 4:30, the Lions ended the quarter with a 22-10 lead, capitalizing on their 4-for-7 shooting from long range.
MSSU maintained control throughout the second quarter, outscoring McKendree 27-23. Key plays included a successful layup and subsequent free throw by Frazier at 3:02, extending the lead to 39-26. Roller contributed a three-pointer at 1:32, further solidifying Southern's advantage. Despite McKendree's efforts, including Kyra Taylor's layups, the Lions' consistent scoring and defensive steals, such as
Lilly Thomas's at 1:41, helped secure their lead by the end of the quarter.
The third quarter saw Missouri Southern maintaining their lead with key plays on both ends of the court. Roller opened the scoring with a three-pointer at 9:29, assisted by Frazier. Despite a three-pointer from McKendree's Tessa Crawford at 9:07, the Lions responded with a layup by Frazier at 8:38, pushing their advantage. As the quarter progressed, Alloway contributed a fast-break layup at 4:08, extending the lead.
Hattie Pyle secured the quarter with a jumper at 0:34, and Frazier capped off the scoring with a layup at 0:01, leaving the visitors ahead 65-48 heading into the final quarter.
Southern maintained their lead in the final quarter, outscoring McKendree 21-19 to secure the victory. Early in the period, Chloe White made a jumper at 9:36, but Alloway responded with a second-chance layup, pushing the lead to 67-50.
Makenna Yokley contributed with two crucial free throws at 8:35. McKendree's Slings hit a three-pointer at 8:21, assisted by Baylie Parks, narrowing the gap slightly. However, the Lions' consistent scoring, including a layup from
Camryn Smith at 0:57 following her own steal, ensured their win.
