KANSAS CITY, Mo. — No. 4 Missoui Southern (20-10, 13-6 Mid-America Intercollegiate) fell to No. 1 Central Missouri (25-5, 17-2 Mid-America Intercollegiate), 60-45, in a matchup at Municipal Auditorium. Missouri Southern led briefly in the second quarter but was unable to sustain its momentum, with its offense limited to 2-for-14 shooting from beyond the arc. Central Missouri capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 18 points in that category to secure the win.
Lilly Thomas scored 16 points, converting 7 of 13 field goal attempts.
Grace Frazier contributed with 13 points and recorded four steals, showcasing her defensive impact.
Ashlyn Alloway collected eight rebounds and posted two blocks, anchoring the interior defense.
Nariah Clay added six points and three assists, supporting the offensive efforts.
Missouri Southern began the first quarter with a focus on the offensive glass, securing five offensive rebounds, but faced challenges in converting those opportunities from the field, shooting 4-for-17. Alloway provided a key layup at 6:06 to get the team on the scoreboard. The team found some rhythm midway through, with Frazier hitting a jumper to narrow the gap. Central Missouri established an early lead, driven by efficient scoring inside the paint. They extended their advantage to 8-0 before Missouri Southern responded. Despite closing the quarter with a strong defensive effort, the Lions trailed 15-10 at the end of the first, looking to build on their rebounding strength in the next quarter.
Missouri Southern initiated the second quarter with a strong presence in the paint, highlighted by Thomas scoring two consecutive layups, which reduced the deficit. Frazier's jumper at 7:01 further tightened the score. The team maintained pressure with Frazier adding key points, including a steal that led to a go-ahead jumper for a brief lead. Despite Central Missouri's efforts to regain control, MSSU responded with effective defensive stops and capitalized on free throws from Frazier to keep the game within reach. The quarter ended with Southern scoring 14 points to Central Missouri's 12, closing the half with a narrow 27-24 deficit.
Southern opened the third quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by
Camryn Smith's defensive rebounds and Alloway's block. Thomas scored on a layup early in the quarter, assisted by Frazier, to keep the score tight. The Lions continued to challenge Central Missouri's lead with Frazier assisting
Makenna Yokley's 3-pointer, tying the game at 31-31. Despite a brief tie, Central Missouri regained control, ending the quarter with late scoring to lead 43-33.
MSSU started the fourth quarter by battling to close the gap, highlighted by Thomas scoring in the paint at 6:52. Despite this effort, Central Missouri maintained a strong offensive presence, with Reese Schaaf adding key points to extend its lead. Frazier's 3-pointer at 3:40 provided a spark for Southern, but the team struggled to convert on further opportunities, going 3-for-16 from the field. Central Missouri capitalized on its chances with efficient shooting, including a layup by Taylor Weishaar at 4:44.
The Lions fought to the end, with Thomas contributing at the free-throw line to cut the deficit slightly. However, Central Missouri closed the quarter and game with a 60-45 victory.
