Kearney, Neb. – The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball team traveled to take on the University of Nebraska - Kearney Lopers. In the second half the Lions rallied and outscored the Lopers 31-24. Southern had three players in double figures and three players with more than seven rebounds for a combined 16 offensive rebounds.
Missouri Southern (17-12, 9-8 MIAA) vs. Nebraska - Kearney (19-7, 12-5 MIAA)
Quarter 1:
Reese Webb opened the game with a layup, giving the Lions an early 2-0 lead. After over three minutes of scoreless play, the Lopers responded with a basket to tie it up. With 6:09 remaining in the quarter,
Kennady Roach sank a pair of free throws to put Southern back on top, 4-2.
Ryan Franklin and
Grace Frazier combined to push the Lions ahead by two with 4:30 left on the clock, but Nebraska Kearney quickly answered to even the score. Southern maintained its edge heading into the second quarter with a 13-12 lead.
Quarter 2:
The Lopers extended their lead with a 6-0 run, going up 19-13 with 7:47 remaining. The Lions broke their scoring drought with 5:08 on the clock when Mackenzie Hart knocked down a three-pointer, closing the gap to 19-18. Makenna Yokley and Grace Frazier combined to tie the game at 22-22 with 3:34 left in the half. The Lopers regained control and carried a 27-23 advantage into the break.
Quarter 3:
Ryan Franklin opened the third quarter with a jumper and a pair of free throws, tying the game at 27-27 with 8:22 remaining. Grace Frazier knocked down a three-pointer with 6:06 remaining to give the Lions a slim 30-29 lead. Both teams continued to trade baskets, with Southern getting contributions from Kennady Roach, Makenna Yokley, Franklin, and Veonce Powell. The Lions held a narrow 43-41 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Quarter 4:
Veonce Powell struck first with a jumper, giving the Lions a four-point lead. The Lopers responded with two baskets to tie it at 45-45 with 6:20 remaining. Powell regained the lead for Southern with another jumper, 47-45. Both teams traded baskets, with Grace Frazier and Reese Webb contributing for the Lions. With 4.2 seconds left, Powell stepped up to the line and sealed the win for Southern, 54-51.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Points: Ryan Franklin - 13
Rebounds: Kennady Roach /
Reese Webb - 8
Assists: Grace Frazier - 4
Steals: Mackenzie Hart /
Ryan Franklin - 2
Blocks: - Makenna Yokley / Ryan Franklin - 1
Nebraska - Kearney Leaders:
Points: Jillian Aschoff - 14
Rebounds: Jillian Aschoff - 9
Assists: Samantha Moore - 5
Steals: Three players - 1
Blocks: Kia Wilson - 3
Up Next:
The Lions will be on back on their home court on Thursday, February 27, when they host the University of Central Missouri Jennies. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
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