BETHANY, Okla. — Missouri Southern State defeated Southern Nazarene, 85-75, at the Sawyer Center. Missouri Southern overcame a 7-point first-quarter deficit with a strong third quarter, outscoring Southern Nazarene by 15 points in the paint and generating 29 points off turnovers. Despite Southern Nazarene's 12 three-pointers, the Lions maintained control through a balanced scoring attack and a 44-34 advantage in rebounds.
MSSU holds a 5-3 overall record. Southern Nazarene is currently 0-4 on the season.
Nariah Clay led the team with 25 points, including three 3-pointers, and added seven rebounds.
Grace Frazier scored 26 points and recorded five rebounds.
Makenna Yokley contributed 11 points and collected nine rebounds while also making two steals.
Hattie Pyle added 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Missouri Southern State opened the game with Clay securing an early lead through a layup. The team managed two 3-pointers in the quarter, with contributions from Frazier and Clay. Despite a series of turnovers, Southern maintained pressure with a defensive rebound from Yokley and a steal by
Delaney Roller. Southern Nazarene responded with multiple scoring runs, highlighted by Jordan Hoffman's and Carley Gasaway's 3-pointers, to gain an advantage. Southern closed the quarter with two free throws by Frazier, cutting the deficit. The period ended with Missouri Southern trailing 21-14.
The Lions started the second quarter by narrowing a deficit through strategic plays in the paint, with Yokley contributing crucial points. The team capitalized on turnovers by Southern Nazarene, adding a quick 4-point swing midway through the quarter. MSSU maintained pressure, with Yokley again converting a second-chance opportunity, cutting into Southern Nazarene's lead. As the quarter closed, Frazier's final-second jumper brought MSSU within one point, ending the quarter at 38-37, with Southern Nazarene holding a slim lead.
Missouri Southern State began the third quarter by seizing momentum with a layup by Clay, followed by a block from Yokley, maintaining a tight contest. Frazier's jumper at 9:06 regained the lead at 41-40, setting the tone for a strong offensive stretch. Southern executed a 10-point run, capped by a fast-break layup from Yokley and a subsequent three-point play by Pyle at 7:33, extending the lead to 49-40. Southern Nazarene's attempt to close the gap with a three-pointer by Braci Nyberg at 6:15 was countered by consistent scoring from Frazier and Pyle, keeping the visitor's advantage intact. The quarter concluded with Missouri Southern State solidifying their lead through a series of defensive stops and timely scoring, including a 3-pointer by Frazier at 1:37 and a series of fast-break layups by Clay. The Lions finished the third quarter leading 66-52.
Southern maintained its lead throughout the fourth quarter, highlighted by a strong interior presence, scoring 14 points in the paint. Clay's early assist to Yokley for a layup helped establish momentum. Despite several turnovers, Southern managed to execute effective offensive plays, including a key 3-pointer by Clay at the 43-second mark to stretch the lead. Southern Nazarene kept the pressure with fast breaks and a pair of 3-pointers but struggled to close the gap significantly. MSSU's defense forced crucial turnovers, allowing them to capitalize with fast-break opportunities and maintain their advantage. The quarter concluded with Missouri Southern securing an 85-75 victory, closing out the game with a steady defensive effort and consistent scoring.
MSSU returns home Thursday, Dec. 4 to open MIAA play against Rogers State, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. inside Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
