JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State University defeated the University of Central Oklahoma, 75-57, in the Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium, maintaining control throughout the contest. The Lions capitalized on 11 offensive rebounds, translating them into 17 second-chance points, and outscored Central Oklahoma 28-26 in the paint. A strong defensive effort in the fourth quarter held Central Oklahoma to just six points, sealing the victory.
Southern improved to 7-3 overall and 2-0 in Mid-America Intercollegiate play with the victory. Central Oklahoma is now 1-6 overall and 0-2 in conference competition.
Nariah Clay scored 22 points, making six 3-pointers and leading her team in scoring, which marked her single-game high at the three-point line with a 6-11 shooting performance.
Ashlyn Alloway added 17 points, converting 7 of 8 free throws and recording six rebounds.
Grace Frazier finished with 16 points, hitting 7 of 13 field goals and collecting two steals.
Camryn Smith contributed with two steals and one block, enhancing the team's defensive efforts.
Missouri Southern opened the game by exchanging early baskets with Central Oklahoma, quickly settling into a back-and-forth contest. Frazier's defensive efforts, highlighted by two steals, helped maintain defensive pressure. A series of successful free throws and three-pointers, notably including a late three by Clay at the 7-second mark, allowed the Lions to pull ahead in the closing minutes. The quarter ended with a score of 24–21 in favor of Missouri Southern, establishing a narrow lead heading into the next quarter.
MSSU maintained momentum in the second quarter, starting with a jumper by Clay at 9:05. The home team capitalized on scoring opportunities in the paint, adding crucial points from Alloway's free throws and
Makenna Yokley's field goal. A key 3-pointer by Clay, assisted by
Hattie Pyle, extended the lead to 32-26. Defensively, the Lions kept Central Okla. in check, despite a brief response from the visitors with a 3-pointer by Peyton Walker. Frazier and
Lilly Thomas added pivotal baskets, keeping the offense productive. Alloway capped the quarter with a fast-break layup, assisted by Frazier, securing an 18-14 edge in the quarter. Missouri Southern led 42-35 at halftime.
The Lions maintained their lead by opening the third quarter with steady defensive pressure, resulting in five steals. Alloway contributed significantly with two free throws and a layup assisted by Thomas, extending the home team's advantage. Central Oklahoma responded with a 3-pointer from Bobbie Fouquet, but MSSU countered with three successful shots from beyond the arc, one each from Clay, Frazier, and another from Clay, assisted by Alloway. In the closing minutes, Missouri Southern continued to assert control, with Frazier adding a jumper and Pyle contributing a putback and an assist. Southern ended the quarter leading 61–51, having edged Central Oklahoma 19–16 in the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Missouri Southern capitalized on defensive stops and efficient scoring in the paint to secure their lead. Yokley opened the quarter with a free throw, and the team quickly extended their advantage with key contributions from Clay and Thomas. Southern controlled the boards, out-rebounding Central Oklahoma and converting second-chance opportunities into points. Despite Central Oklahoma's attempts to close the gap with early baskets, MSSU maintained their momentum with effective ball movement and timely scoring. A jumper by Pyle and consecutive free throws by Thomas in the final minutes helped solidify the lead. Missouri Southern closed the quarter with a 14–6 scoring advantage, concluding the game with a 75–57 victory.
