JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State University (17-7, 11-4 Mid-America Intercollegiate) fell to Missouri Western State University (9-15, 5-10 Mid-America Intercollegiate), 85-75, at the Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium. The Lions led by five points after the first quarter but were unable to maintain their advantage as Missouri Western outscored them in the subsequent quarters. Despite MSSU forcing 15 turnovers and securing 40 rebounds, the Griffons capitalized with 40 points in the paint and 12 fast-break points to secure the win.
Grace Frazier scored 21 points, collected six rebounds, and recorded three steals.
Nariah Clay added 18 points, hitting five 3-pointers and tallying two steals.
Ashlyn Alloway finished with 14 points and secured eight rebounds.
Makenna Yokley posted eight rebounds and added nine points.
The first quarter began with Missouri Southern establishing its presence on both ends of the court. Clay opened the scoring with a free throw, and later drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 10. The Lions capitalized on solid rebounding, securing 14 total boards and limiting Missouri Western's second-chance opportunities. Missouri Southern went on a decisive scoring run midway through the quarter, highlighted by Frazier's layup that tied the game at 10 and
Lilly Thomas's jumper that put the team ahead. Clay continued to lead the offense, contributing with another 3-pointer to extend the lead. Southern closed the quarter strong with Thomas converting two free throws, establishing a 19–14 lead.
Southern began the second quarter with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Alloway's layup and
Delaney Roller's three-pointer, extending its lead early on. Despite the initial push, Missouri Western responded with effective shooting, including a key 3-pointer that shifted momentum midway through the quarter. The teams exchanged leads multiple times, with each team making significant plays both inside the paint and beyond the arc. As the quarter progressed, Frazier contributed with a crucial jumper, keeping MSSU competitive. Missouri Western, however, managed to edge slightly ahead, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and sharp shooting. The quarter concluded with a balanced score of 38–38, setting the stage for a closely contested second half.
MSSU started the third quarter with a fast-paced attack, highlighted by Alloway's layup off a fast break 24 seconds into play, assisted by Frazier. The team effectively capitalized in the paint, scoring 12 points there, and maintained pressure with timely defensive stops, including Frazier's key steals at 7:37 and 5:53, each leading to successful field goals. Despite a strong start, Missouri Western responded with a series of 3-pointers, including a crucial one by Mia Morel at 8:20, and took advantage of turnovers to shift the momentum in its favor. The quarter closed with Missouri Western ahead, 59–54, as Southern's scoring efforts were outpaced in the final minutes.
The fourth quarter began with Missouri Western extending its lead, but the Lions responded with a layup by Alloway at 8:58, closing the gap to 61–56. Despite a strong defensive effort, including forcing turnovers and grabbing offensive rebounds, Missouri Southern struggled to contain Missouri Western's scoring, particularly in the paint. Yokley contributed significantly with a layup at 6:53, narrowing the deficit to 66–60. Southern continued to battle, with Clay hitting a 3-pointer at 4:12, bringing the score to 72–63. However, Missouri Western maintained its offensive momentum with efficient shooting and free throws. Despite a late push from the Lions, including free throws and a layup by Yokley, Missouri Western capitalized on fast breaks and ended the quarter ahead. The game concluded with Missouri Western securing an 85–75 victory.
The Lions continue at home next week, hosting Fort Hays State University on Thursday before welcoming University of Nebraska Kearney on Saturday.
