JOPLIN, Mo. – Missouri Southern women's basketball (6-3, 1-0 MIAA) bested Rogers State (2-6, 0-1 MIAA), 84-67, Thursday evening in the Lions' conference opener at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
With the win, the Lions improve to 6-3 and 1-0 in conference play following its 2025-26 home opener at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium. The Hillcats stand at 2-6 overall and 0-1 in MIAA competition.
Three MSSU players finished in double-figures offensively paced by
Grace Frazier. Frazier, a sophomore from Diamond, Missouri, dropped in 23 points, shooting 10-for-16 with two boards and two assists.
Nariah Clay scored 18 points and collected seven rebounds, adding two three-pointers, as she shot 50 percent from the field
Ashlyn Alloway added a double-double, her third of the season, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds with three steals in the victory.
Hattie Pyle contributed defensively with two steals and added six points.
The Lions capitalized on a dominant second quarter to take control, outscoring RSU 20-12 in the frame and maintained a 42-34 rebounding advantage. MSSU also scored 40 points in the paint, contributing to their decisive victory.
Missouri Southern began the first quarter with a defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Alloway was instrumental, contributing both offensively and defensively, including a key layup that tied the game at 17-17 with a minute remaining.
Southern initiated the second quarter with a strong offensive presence, quickly leveling the score at 19 with a layup from
Lilly Thomas. The team gained momentum with Frazier's consistent performance in the paint, allowing MSSU to edge ahead and build a lead. Defensive efforts, such as a block by Thomas and a steal by Pyle, kept RSU at bay.
As the frame progressed, MSSU maintained its advantage with key contributions from various players, including a 3-pointer from
Savannah James that extended the lead.
Despite a few turnovers, Southern's fast breaks and effective free-throw shooting by Pyle solidified the Lions' control. The home team closed the opening half leading 37-29, outscoring RSU 20-12 in the second quarter.
The Lions then capitalized on their offensive opportunities in the third quarter, beginning with a pivotal layup by Pyle to extend their lead.
Nicole Lillard's 3-pointer at 6:16 further boosted momentum, while Frazier and Alloway contributed crucial free throws to maintain control. The team effectively utilized fast breaks, highlighted by Alloway's layup and free throw at 4:55, assisted by Frazier.
RSU attempted to counter with a 3-pointer from Cheyan McDaniel at 3:26, narrowing the gap, but Missouri Southern responded with consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer by Clay with 36 seconds remaining. Clay also sealed the quarter with a layup and subsequent free throw, ensuring Southern ended the third quarter ahead, 60-48.
MSSU began the fourth quarter by capitalizing on a turnover, with Alloway's steal setting the tone. Frazier's jumper at 9:08 extended the lead, and despite a quick response from RSU, Clay added two free throws to maintain momentum. The home team outpaced the visitors in the paint, with
Makenna Yokley and Frazier combining for multiple key baskets.
Defensively, Southern forced turnovers and capitalized on fast breaks, exemplified by Lillard's block and Yokley's subsequent defensive rebound. Frazier's three-pointer at 3:17 widened the gap, and the team maintained their lead through efficient free-throw shooting, with Clay sealing the performance with two successful attempts at 1:19.
Southern closed the game strong, securing a 24–19 advantage in the final quarter. The Lions' consistent scoring and defensive efforts culminated in an 84–67 victory.
For MSSU, the win was its 12th-straight over RSU dating back to 2018.
The Lions conclude their MIAA opening week of competition Saturday against Central Oklahoma. Tip is set for 1:30 p.m., CT at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
