EDMOND, Okla. — Missouri Southern (12-4, 6-1 MIAA) edged Central Oklahoma (7-9, 2-5 MIAA), 85-81, in a tightly contested matchup that featured 10 ties and 16 lead changes.
MSSU capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 21 points off offensive rebounds and held a 58-48 advantage on the boards. UCO kept the game close with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 42 points, but the Lions secured the win with a decisive 12-8 edge in the final overtime period.
Grace Frazier led the Lions with a career-high 29 points, converting 11 of 22 field goals and adding six free throws. She is now just three points away from 500 in her career.
Lilly Thomas posted 20 points and recorded four blocks, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Nariah Clay scored 10 points, all from beyond the arc, and collected seven rebounds.
Ashlyn Alloway added eight points and secured 11 rebounds, including six points from the free-throw line.
MSSU began the first quarter by capitalizing on a turnover, with Clay's steal leading to Alloway's two successful free throws, establishing early momentum. Despite a strong defensive effort, including three steals, the team faced a shooting struggle, converting only 5 of 16 attempts. Central Oklahoma responded with efficient play, highlighted by Peyton Walker's three-pointer, helping them gain an edge. Alloway and Frazier contributed with timely baskets, but Missouri Southern trailed as Central Oklahoma maintained control with inside scoring. Frazier's fast-break layup and Thomas's jumper narrowed the gap, but Central Oklahoma's shooting accuracy, including Bobbie Fouquet's 3-pointer, concluded the quarter with them leading 21-15.
The Lions began the second quarter with a strong scoring drive, quickly cutting into Central Oklahoma's lead.
Delaney Roller and
Camryn Smith led the way, combining for a series of rebounds and key plays. Southern's bench contributed significantly, adding 9 points to the effort. The quarter featured a crucial momentum shift when
Makenna Yokley sank a 3-pointer at 6:53, giving Missouri Southern a narrow lead. Thomas added critical points with a jumper and free throws, maintaining the team's edge. Despite Central Oklahoma's attempts to regain control, Southern's defense held firm, highlighted by blocks and defensive rebounds. Roller capped off the quarter with a decisive 3-pointer with 6 seconds remaining, giving Missouri Southern a 37-35 lead at halftime.
Missouri Southern opened the third quarter by overcoming an early deficit with a key offensive push. Frazier's layup at 7:38 brought the Lions within one point, 42–41, before she added a jumper and a 3-pointer to shift the momentum. A critical 3-pointer by Roller at 3:13 extended the lead to 53–46. Missouri Southern capitalized on second-chance opportunities, with Thomas contributing significant offensive rebounds, including a tip-in at 4:21 to maintain a four-point advantage. The quarter concluded with Clay hitting a 3-pointer with just two seconds left, pushing Southern's lead to 56–46.
Southern entered the fourth quarter aiming to protect their lead but faced a determined push from Central Oklahoma. Early in the quarter, Alloway's free throw extended the lead to nine points, but turnovers soon shifted momentum. UCO capitalized on these opportunities, narrowing the gap with a series of successful inside plays. As the quarter progressed, Frazier contributed from the free-throw line to keep the score close. With just under a minute remaining, Clay's 3-pointer tied the game at 65. Southern then executed a crucial defensive stop, with Alloway blocking a potential game-winning layup. The quarter ended in a 65–65 tie, highlighting a tense final stretch.
The first overtime period began with Southern and UCO locked in a tight contest, each team struggling to break away. MSSU initially took a slim lead with free throws by Alloway, but Central Oklahoma quickly responded, tying the game through free throws of their own. Frazier gave Southern a brief advantage with a layup, but the teams remained neck and neck. As the quarter progressed, UCO momentarily pulled ahead, but Southern matched the Bronchos point-for-point. Frazier's late free throws tied the game at 71-71. Central Oklahoma's Peyton Walker's free throws gave them a slight edge, but Alloway's accuracy from the line brought Southern back to level terms. The initial OT frame ended with both teams scoring eight points, maintaining a deadlock at 73-73.
MSSU began the second and final overtime stanza with a key jumper by Thomas, assisted by Smith, to pull ahead, 75–73. The game remained tightly contested as Thomas added a crucial 3-pointer, again with Smith's assist, extending the lead to 78–75. Frazier contributed significantly, securing defensive rebounds and scoring a fastbreak layup to widen the margin to 84–79. As the clock wound down, Yokley hit a free throw to solidify the lead. The Lions maintained their edge, closing the quarter with a 12–8 scoring advantage, culminating in an 85–81 victory.
Head coach
Ronnie Ressel picked up his 160th career victory at the helm of the Lions program.
