WICHITA, Kan. — Missouri Southern women's basketball (16-5, 10-2 MIAA) defeated Newman (7-15, 1-12 MIAA), 72-51, at Fugate Gymnasium.
The Lions dominated the paint with 36 points and maintained a strong rebounding presence, securing a 45-28 advantage on the boards. Despite a late 21-point effort from Newman in the fourth quarter, Southern built an early lead, fueled by a 21-point first quarter, to cruise to victory.
Missouri Southern opened with a strong defensive effort, forcing four turnovers and scoring nine points off them. They controlled the paint with 10 points and extended their lead with fast-break opportunities, including a key 3-pointer by
Grace Frazier as time expired. The Lions' bench contributed 11 points, providing valuable depth in the first quarter. They converted 50 percent of their field goal attempts, while limiting Newman to 20 percent shooting, with the home team scoring just eight points. Missouri Southern closed the quarter ahead, 21-8.
Missouri Southern began the second quarter with a strong inside presence, scoring 10 points in the paint.
Makenna Yokley facilitated an early layup for
Ashlyn Alloway, contributing to a quick scoring drive. Defensive pressure was evident with two steals by
Grace Frazier, who also capitalized on a fast break layup. Despite Newman's efforts to cut the deficit with two 3-pointers, the Lions maintained control. Key free throws from
Nariah Clay and
Lilly Thomas closed the quarter with a 15-13 edge, leading 36-21 overall.
The Lions asserted control in the third quarter, tightening their defense and exploiting opportunities in the paint.
Hattie Pyle's layup at 8:32 sparked their scoring, extending the lead with efficient play around the basket. Alloway contributed with a key layup and free throw, while Clay and Thomas added to the offensive push. Defensively, Southern limited Newman to just nine points, maintaining pressure and capitalizing on turnovers. By the end of the third quarter, they led 55–30.
The fourth quarter began with MSSU maintaining control, highlighted by Yokley's jumper assisted by
Camryn Smith at 9:07, extending their lead to 57–30. Despite a brief scoring surge from Newman's players, Southern responded with efficient shooting. Clay's free throws and
Nicole Lillard's layup at 7:01 were pivotal in sustaining their momentum, bringing the score to 61–36. A three-pointer from Clay pushed the lead to 64–39. The visitors' defense was resilient, with Thomas recording a crucial block at 3:02. A series of turnovers and defensive rebounds kept Newman at bay, allowing the Lions to capitalize with a layup by Lillard at 2:47. The quarter concluded with Southern closing strong, as Lillard secured two free throws in the final seconds, sealing a 72–51 victory.
Missouri Southern continues MIAA road action Saturday, traveling to Emporia State for a 1:30 p.m., CT tip-off.
