JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern women's basketball (8-3, 2-0 MIAA) defeated Avila, 91-49, Wednesday evening at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
MSSU dominated with a 58-20 advantage in paint points and forced 28 turnovers, converting them into 30 points. The Lions also recorded 25 offensive rebounds, contributing to their decisive victory.
With the victory, Southern picked up its fifth-straight victory to improve to 8-3 this season.
Grace Frazier posted 13 points while adding two assists to surpass 400 career points (407). She was one of three Lions who finished in double-figures scoring in MSSU's final home game of 2025.
Makenna Yokley finished with 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting and recorded four assists.
Camryn Smith contributed nine points, collected six rebounds, and tallied five assists.
Lilly Thomas recorded her first career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Missouri Southern opened the first quarter with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 20 points inside.
Ashlyn Alloway and Yokley each contributed early with layups, establishing momentum for the home team. Yokley further aided with multiple assists, enhancing the team's offensive flow.
The Lions capitalized on turnovers, scoring eight points off Avila's eight turnovers. Defensive efforts were underscored by
Delaney Roller and
Nariah Clay, each securing steals that led to scoring opportunities. By winning the rebounding battle 12-5, they limited second chances for the Eagles.
In the closing minutes of the first quarter, Frazier added a bucket to extend the MSSU lead to 26-14, demonstrating efficient scoring and defensive discipline.
Southern leveraged a strong offensive performance in the second quarter to extend its lead over AU. The home team capitalized on turnovers and executed in the paint, with Clay and Smith contributing crucial layups. Missouri Southern's defense was effective, forcing eight turnovers and securing 12 offensive rebounds, which limited Avila's scoring opportunities.
Frazier and
Hattie Pyle added to the scoring drive, helping Southern to maintain momentum throughout the quarter. Despite Avila's efforts with three successful 3-pointers, Missouri Southern closed the opening half leading 51-33, outscoring the visitors 25-19 in the second quarter.
MSSU opened the third quarter by extending its lead with a strong performance in the paint, scoring 10 points and capitalizing on turnovers with six points from AU's miscues. Frazier contributed with a layup at 8:30, and Yokley added both a layup and a 3-pointer, boosting the team's momentum to 58-40.
Defensively, Southern showcased its strength with three blocks and three steals, limiting the Eagles to four field goals in the period. Smith's layup at 2:10 further increased the lead to 71-42.
The Lions opened the fourth quarter with a strong performance, extending their advantage through efficient play. Thomas scored a layup early, assisted by Frazier, setting the tone for the quarter. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Pyle's steal leading to a layup by
Nicole Lillard.
Savannah James added momentum with consecutive 3-pointers, expanding the lead further. Missouri Southern's defensive efforts were highlighted by Smith's block and subsequent rebound, which led to a successful jumper from
Jacqueline Hall. The quarter concluded with the Lions maintaining control, finishing with a 20–7 run to secure the 91–49 victory.
Clay, Pyle and James (career-high) each had eight points Wednesday while Roller had seven and Lillard posted six.
Macee Matthews scored her first career points as a Lion, knocking down a triple at 4:44 left in regulation to push the MSSU edge to 84-49.
Twelve Lions had points in the victory over Avila as MSSU picked up its second 90-plus game of the season.
Missouri Southern next heads to Northeastern State Sunday to continue conference play. Tip is set for 2 p.m., CT at NSU Event Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
