JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern (11-4, 5-1 Mid-America Intercollegiate) defeated Newman (7-8, 1-5 Mid-America Intercollegiate), 71-63, at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium. The Lions capitalized on a strong fourth quarter, outscoring Newman 22-20, to secure the victory. The home team dominated inside, posting a 32-24 edge in points in the paint, and converted 20 of 31 free throws compared to Newman's 7 of 13.
Missouri Southern currently holds an 11-4 overall record and is 5-1 in Mid-America Intercollegiate play. Newman stands at 7-8 overall with a 1-5 mark in the Mid-America Intercollegiate conference.
Nariah Clay scored 19 points and recorded two steals, contributing significantly to the team's performance.
Grace Frazier added 17 points and posted four assists while collecting seven rebounds.
Ashlyn Alloway tallied 15 points and dominated the boards with 12 rebounds for her sixth double-double this season. She now has registered 900 career points (235 points at MSSU, 665 at Lincoln).
Makenna Yokley contributed defensively with two steals and added seven points and six rebounds.
The Lions opened the first quarter with strong defensive pressure, creating five turnovers and converting them into a 6–0 lead. Alloway led the scoring early with a layup and two free throws. Frazier contributed key assists, including a layup by Yokley at 4:36 to extend the lead to 11–5. Clay added a 3-pointer at 1:52, pushing the lead to 18–10. Despite a late push from Newman, including a 3-pointer by Jaeden McMillin, the Lions maintained a steady performance in the paint, outscoring the visitors 12–4. The quarter concluded with the Lions leading 18–12.
MSSU began the second quarter with a strong push, highlighted by
Delaney Roller's three-pointer and Frazier's assist, gaining an early lead. Despite a series of turnovers, the team maintained momentum with key defensive plays, including rebounds by Alloway and
Nicole Lillard, contributing to fast-paced scoring. As the quarter progressed, Southern capitalized on scoring opportunities in the paint, with Alloway and Clay each executing critical layups. Clay also secured two crucial free throws, helping to extend the lead. The quarter concluded with Southern holding a narrow advantage, leading 35–33 as they headed into the next half.
The third quarter opened with a pivotal moment as Clay hit a 3-pointer, assisted by Roller, to break a tie. This shot initiated a lead for the Lions, which they maintained throughout the quarter. The team capitalized on opportunities at the free-throw line, with Alloway contributing two key points to further extend the lead. The Lions showcased strong defensive rebounding, with Frazier leading the effort, preventing Newman from capitalizing on second chances. Roller added a jumper, increasing the lead to a seven-point margin. Although Newman attempted a comeback, the Lions held their ground, closing the quarter with a 49–43 advantage.
MSSU began the fourth quarter by reinforcing their lead with a quick scoring burst, including a pair of free throws by Yokley. This was complemented by solid defensive rebounds from
Camryn Smith, which allowed the home team to control the pace early in the quarter. A key moment came as the Lions capitalized on Newman's turnovers, extending their lead with consecutive baskets from Clay and Yokley, pushing the score to 57-46. Despite a few scoring attempts by Newman, the Lions maintained their advantage through effective free-throw shooting and persistent defensive efforts. As the quarter drew to a close, Frazier's late free throws ensured the Lions retained a comfortable lead. Dani Williams' 3-pointer for Newman narrowed the margin slightly, but the Lions secured a 71-63 victory, closing the game with strong defensive plays and consistent scoring.
