JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern women's basketball (14-4, 8-1 MIAA) defeated University of Arkansas Fort Smith (3-16, 2-8 MIAA), 59-36, at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on Thursday.
Missouri Southern pulled away in the second half, holding Arkansas Fort Smith to 22 points in the paint while forcing 19 turnovers. The Lions capitalized with 14 points off turnovers and secured a 47-37 rebounding advantage to maintain their conference lead.
Missouri Southern stands at 14-4 overall and 8-1 in MIAA play following the Lions' fifth-straight win. UAFS is now 3-16 overall and 2-8 in MIAA competition.
Nariah Clay led with 11 points, including two 3-pointers, and collected four rebounds.
Grace Frazier, who surpassed 500 career points during the game, added nine points and recorded four assists while also making two steals.
Camryn Smith contributed with three assists and two steals, complementing her four total rebounds.
Ashlyn Alloway posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing her effectiveness on both ends of the court.
Missouri Southern opened the first quarter effectively, leveraging strong defensive plays to maintain control. Alloway's performance was notable, as she secured multiple defensive rebounds and contributed a key layup at 5:01, assisted by
Lilly Thomas, which initiated a brief scoring surge. The team demonstrated solid free-throw shooting, with Alloway converting three from the line, maintaining pressure on Arkansas-Fort Smith. As the quarter progressed, Missouri Southern capitalized on turnovers, including steals by Smith and Frazier, which facilitated scoring opportunities. Clay's 3-pointer at 2:55 extended the lead, reinforcing momentum. The quarter concluded with Southern ahead 12–7, setting a confident tone for the remainder of the game.
The second quarter began with Frazier of MSSU making an early jumper to extend the lead to 14-7. The team maintained pressure on Ark.-Fort Smith, highlighted by Frazier's three-pointer at 8:22, pushing the score to 17-9. Despite a few missed opportunities, Southern capitalized on fast breaks and points in the paint. Toward the close of the quarter, Southern executed a solid defensive stand, allowing only one 3-pointer from the opponent. Clay's layup at 2:44, followed by
Makenna Yokley's successful jumper, secured a 7-point run in the closing minutes. The quarter ended with MSSU leading 23-14, extending their advantage by the end of the half.
The Lions showcased effective teamwork in the third quarter, opening with a 3-pointer by
Delaney Roller assisted by Frazier, setting an early tempo. Alloway contributed significantly in the paint, scoring multiple layups and assisting in extending the lead. Clay added a critical 3-pointer at 4:15, further cementing the team's advantage. Defensively, Southern held Ark.-Fort Smith at bay with crucial rebounds and a steal by Clay, keeping the pressure on the visitors. Frazier's defensive rebound at 0:28 and subsequent team plays ensured the quarter closed with a strong lead. The third quarter concluded with the Lions leading 45-26.
In the fourth quarter, Southern maintained their lead with effective scoring in the paint and timely defensive plays. Frazier made an impact early with two free throws following a steal at 8:53, while Thomas added to the momentum with a jumper at 6:57 and a layup at 6:25. Alloway contributed with a jumper at 8:12, assisted by Frazier, enhancing the home team's advantage. Smith's defensive prowess was evident with a steal at 6:19, leading to further scoring opportunities.
Hattie Pyle sealed the quarter with a 3-pointer at 2:46, following a defensive rebound by
Nicole Lillard. Despite some scoring from Ark.-Fort Smith, Southern closed the quarter strong, outscoring the visitors 14-10, finishing the game with a 59-36 victory.
Missouri Southern returns home on Saturday, January 31, to host Northeastern State University at home in Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
