JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern (18-7, 12-4 MIAA) defeated No. 6-ranked Fort Hays State (23-3, 14-3 MIAA), 78-67, at the Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium Thursday night.
Missouri Southern capitalized on FHSU's 18 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, while also dominating the paint with 48 points. Fort Hays State made nine 3-pointers but struggled to keep pace after MSSU's strong second quarter.
Missouri Southern has secured its spot in the 2026 MIAA Women's Basketball Championship and will look to build momentum heading into postseason competition. The Lions improved to 18-7 in 2025-26 and 12-4 in MIAA play following its second top-15 win of the season.
Lilly Thomas scored 18 points and collected 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double and leading the team in both categories.
Ashlyn Alloway added 16 points, reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points, and recorded five steals, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
Nariah Clay finished with 15 points, converting all seven of her free throw attempts.
Grace Frazier posted six assists and came away with two steals, showcasing her playmaking ability.
Missouri Southern opened the game with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 14 points inside and benefiting from second-chance opportunities with 10 points. Their defense forced five turnovers, leading to six points off turnovers. Despite trailing early, Southern battled back, taking the lead late in the first quarter.
Grace Frazier contributed significantly, with a key layup and assist during the comeback. Southern capitalized on their offensive rebounds and bench contributions, adding 11 points from reserves. The quarter concluded with
Camryn Smith's layup, securing a 20-18 edge for the Lions at the end of the first.
Fort Hays State opened the second quarter with a scoring drive, narrowing the gap with effective shooting beyond the arc. The Lions responded with a strong performance in the paint, contributing 18 points, with
Ashlyn Alloway and
Lilly Thomas leading the charge in scoring and defensive efforts.
Delaney Roller's layup and free throw early in the quarter helped establish momentum. Missouri Southern capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 10 points, while maintaining pressure with four steals throughout the quarter. The team's defense limited Fort Hays State's second-chance opportunities, as Southern closed the quarter with a 45–41 lead, outscoring its opponent 25–23 in the quarter.
Southern began the third quarter by capitalizing on its offensive opportunities, with
Makenna Yokley scoring a layup early to extend its lead. FHSU responded with a 3-pointer from Ellie Stearns, but the Lions maintained control with consistent scoring in the paint, including contributions from
Ashlyn Alloway and
Camryn Smith. Midway through the quarter, Missouri Southern increased its lead with free throws and efficient ball movement.
Grace Frazier's free throws and
Nariah Clay's late 3-pointer further widened the margin. The home team finished the quarter strong, holding a 66–57 advantage by the end.
Missouri Southern maintained control in the fourth quarter, showcasing a strong defensive presence and efficient free throw shooting. The Lions capitalized on turnovers, scoring four points directly from Fort Hays State's mistakes.
Lilly Thomas contributed with key baskets in the paint, while
Nariah Clay added to the lead with a pair of successful free throws, extending the advantage. Despite Fort Hays State cutting into the lead with a three-pointer by Olivia Mortensen, Southern answered back, maintaining its composure at the line.
Ashlyn Alloway secured a late jumper, followed by free throws from
Makenna Yokley, sealing the quarter. The Lions held on to their lead, closing the game with a 78-67 victory.
The Lions return to Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on Saturday, Feb. 21, for a 1:30 p.m., CT matchup against Nebraska Kearney. Missouri Southern has already secured its spot in the 2026 MIAA Women's Basketball Championship and will look to build momentum heading into postseason competition.
