JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern women's basketball (15-4, 9-1 MIAA) defeated Northeastern State (16-4, 8-3 MIAA), 85-75, at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on Saturday.
The Lions capitalized on free throws, converting 29 of 34 attempts, and maintained a +6 rebounding margin to secure the victory. Northeastern State narrowed the gap in the fourth quarter with a 26-point surge, but Missouri Southern's second-quarter 28-point output proved decisive.
Missouri Southern now holds a 15-4 overall record and a 9-1 mark in MIAA play after the Lions' sixth-straight win. Northeastern State stands at 16-4 overall with an 8-3 conference record in the conference.
Lilly Thomas led Southern with a career-high 21 points, marking her fourth straight double-digit game, converting all eight free throw attempts and adding three rebounds.
Grace Frazier contributed 19 points, going 10-for-11 from the free throw line and assisting on four baskets.
Makenna Yokley also tallied 19 points, making seven of her 11 field goal attempts and collecting four rebounds.
Nariah Clay added eight points, recorded five assists, and gathered six rebounds.
The Lions started the first quarter with a steady offensive effort, highlighted by Yokley's early layup to tie the game at 2-2. Despite trailing for most of the quarter, the team capitalized on opportunities at the free-throw line, converting all five attempts. As the quarter progressed, Missouri Southern narrowed the gap in the closing minutes with a strong push, including a three-pointer from Thomas and a key steal and assist by Yokley, leading to a fast-break score by
Hattie Pyle. The quarter concluded with Southern shortening the deficit to 21-19 against Northeastern State.
Missouri Southern took control in the second quarter, building momentum with a strong performance from the free-throw line, converting 12 of 14 attempts.
Ashlyn Alloway opened with a three-point play to establish an early lead. The team capitalized on Northeastern State's turnovers, scoring 9 points off their 5 turnovers and maintaining efficiency in the paint with 8 points. Clay and Frazier contributed key points, while Yokley hit a critical 3-pointer to extend the lead. Defensively, the Lions limited the opponent to 3 field goals, preventing any significant scoring runs. The quarter closed with a commanding 47-30 advantage for Missouri Southern.
The Lions started the third quarter by extending their lead, with Clay hitting a 3-pointer at 9:33. This was followed by a fast-break layup by Yokley, assisted by Frazier, adding momentum early in the period. Alloway contributed with a layup and a free throw to further solidify the team's advantage. Throughout the quarter, the Lions capitalized on defensive rebounds to maintain control. Despite turnovers, the team managed to stay ahead, aided by free throws from Thomas and Pyle. The quarter concluded with Missouri Southern leading 63–49, maintaining their upper hand going into the final stretch.
In the fourth quarter, Missouri Southern maintained their lead through efficient scoring and timely defense, despite Northeastern State's efforts. Thomas initiated the scoring with a jumper at 8:38, assisted by Clay, which set the tone for the quarter. Frazier contributed significantly by hitting a 3-pointer and later a layup, reinforcing the advantage. Northeastern State responded with three-pointers and layups, but Southern consistently managed to counter. Yokley was pivotal, adding points from the paint and free-throw line, which helped sustain the lead. The home team capitalized on turnovers and maintained defensive pressure, while also controlling key rebounds in the closing minutes. The quarter concluded with Missouri Southern securing an 85–75 victory, maintaining their margin through strategic play in the final moments.
Missouri Southern returns to action on the road Monday, February 2, when the Lions travel to Pittsburg State for a 6 p.m., CT tipoff.
