TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Missouri Southern State (9-3, 3-0 MIAA) edged out Northeastern State (9-2, 2-1 MIAA), 60-55, in a close conference matchup at the NSU Event Center.
The Lions secured the victory with a strong third quarter, outscoring Northeastern State 23-15, and capitalized on 24 made free throws. Despite 17 turnovers, Missouri Southern managed to hold a rebounding advantage with 47 total boards, including 14 offensive rebounds, to maintain their lead.
Ashlyn Alloway led the team with 15 points and added 10 rebounds.
Makenna Yokley contributed 12 points and collected nine rebounds.
Lilly Thomas scored 11 points and recorded five rebounds.
Camryn Smith made an impact with two steals and tallied four points.
The first quarter began with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Southern capitalized on turnovers, scoring six points off Northeastern St.'s errors. Yokley was instrumental, contributing a three-pointer and securing multiple rebounds, which helped sustain offensive momentum. Alloway added a free throw to tie the score at 4-4 early in the quarter.
Grace Frazier assisted Yokley for a layup at 4:20, giving Southern a slight edge. Despite Northeastern St.'s efforts to regain the lead, Smith's two free throws in the final minute secured a narrow 11-10 lead for the Lions as the quarter concluded.
The second quarter began with Northeastern State taking an early lead through a layup by McKenzie Smith, assisted by Makala Bingley, at 9:40. Missouri Southern responded quickly as Frazier hit a free throw to tie the game at 12-12. Despite Frazier's free throw contribution, the Lions faced challenges maintaining possession, committing multiple turnovers that allowed the home team to capitalize and extend their lead. Midway through the quarter, Northeastern State's Gracy Shieldnight's layup and subsequent free throw pushed their lead further. Missouri Southern's Alloway converted a layup, assisted by Smith, to narrow the gap. The quarter concluded with a late layup from Frazier, reducing the deficit, ending with Northeastern State leading 22-20.
MSSU began the third quarter by overcoming a deficit with a quick jumper from Frazier to bring them within one. Thomas then scored a layup and successfully completed a three-point play to give Southern a narrow lead. The team maintained momentum with a series of defensive rebounds and a key layup by Alloway, extending their advantage. As the quarter progressed, Southern's defensive efforts, including a steal by
Hattie Pyle, helped to limit Northeastern State's scoring opportunities. The quarter saw Southern capitalize on free-throw opportunities, with Smith converting crucial attempts to extend the lead further. With less than a minute remaining,
Nariah Clay added a layup to seal Southern's strong performance in the third quarter. Southern closed the third quarter leading 43-37, outscoring Northeastern State 23-15 in the quarter.
The fourth quarter began with a closely contested battle, as Missouri Southern maintained a slight lead over Northeastern State Despite an early layup from Deyanna Douglas of Northeastern State, Yokley quickly responded with a layup, supported by an assist from Alloway. The two teams exchanged baskets, with Southern's
Delaney Roller sinking a 3-pointer to keep the Lions ahead. Northeastern State narrowed the gap with a 3-pointer from Reese Shirey, but Southern responded with solid free-throw shooting, notably by Alloway, who made all her attempts. As the clock wound down, Frazier converted crucial free throws, extending Southern's lead. The quarter concluded with Southern sealing the victory with a series of free throws by Yokley and Alloway, resulting in a 60-55 win.
