SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri Southern women's basketball fell to Drury, 61-57, in a closely contested matchup at the O'Reilly Family Event Center. The Lions held a 47-36 advantage in total rebounds, including 18 offensive boards, which led to 22 second-chance points. Despite the strong rebounding effort, Drury capitalized on perfect free-throw shooting, converting all 14 attempts, to secure the win.
Southern stands at 3-3 overall while Drury holds a 2-2 mark this season.
Nariah Clay scored 15 points, recorded three steals, and collected seven rebounds.
Grace Frazier added 14 points and two steals while contributing three rebounds.
Ashlyn Alloway finished with 10 rebounds, including two blocks, and tallied four points.
Makenna Yokley posted six points and seven rebounds in the game.
The game began with both teams exchanging leads early, as the Lions and Drury traded baskets. Southern capitalized on points in the paint, securing 14, and effectively converted turnovers into five points. Clay and Frazier contributed key baskets during this phase to maintain momentum. Drury kept pace with effective rebounding and a late three-pointer by Rhi Gibbons, but Southern responded with a layup by Clay in the final seconds, securing an 18–17 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Lions initiated a strong second quarter, capitalizing on a turnover by Drury to take an early advantage with Frazier's jumper. Clay contributed with a layup, maintaining the momentum for Missouri Southern.
Delaney Roller added to the lead with a fast-break layup, assisted by Clay, pushing the team ahead 24-22.
As the quarter progressed, Southern's defensive focus was evident, with Roller securing a crucial steal and defensive rebound. Frazier's jumper extended the visitor's lead, but Drury responded, tying the score at 26.
Nicole Lillard's late jumper brought the score level again at 28.
In the closing moments, Southern edged ahead with a key jumper from Yokley, assisted by a defensive rebound. The quarter concluded with Southern leading 30-28, showcasing their ability to maintain a narrow lead through effective paint scoring and timely defensive stops.
The Lions started the third quarter by trading baskets with Drury, with Frazier hitting a three-pointer at 8:48 to briefly regain the lead. Turnovers were frequent on both sides, but Southern maintained defensive pressure, highlighted by Alloway's defensive rebounds.
Midway through the quarter, Southern capitalized on key scoring opportunities, with Clay sinking a three at 6:30 to extend the lead. Despite Drury's attempts to close the gap, Southern responded with a series of successful plays, including a layup by
Camryn Smith at 2:40. As the third quarter closed, Southern sustained their advantage, ending with a 43-40 lead over Drury.
In the fourth quarter, Southern initiated play with a jumper by Yokley, extending their lead to 45–40. Frazier contributed with two free throws at 8:36, maintaining a seven-point lead. Despite Drury's layup from Audra Pasakarnis narrowing the gap, the Lions held onto the lead with a timely jumper from Frazier, bringing the score to 49–42.
As the quarter progressed, Southern faced a challenge when Drury tied the score at 51 with 4:16 left.
Hattie Pyle responded with a layup to regain the lead, 53–51, but Drury quickly equalized. Clay's layup at 2:04 gave Southern a brief advantage, yet Drury capitalized on free throws to pull ahead 57–55 in the final minute.
In a tense closing, Roller hit a jumper with 11 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to two points, 59–57. However, Drury secured the victory with late free throws, ending the quarter 61–57 in favor of Drury.
MSSU closes the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center Thanksgiving Classic Wednesday with a meeting against Truman State University. Tip off is set for 1 p.m., CT.
