Missouri Western wrapped up its nonconference portion of its schedule with a close, 67-63 win against Rockhurst Saturday night at MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons turned 14 Rockhurst turnovers into 18 first half points helping MWSU to the 36-33 halftime lead. The Griffons jumped out to a 19-10 lead after a Lanicia Lawrence layup with 12:23 to play. The next few minutes belonged to the Hawks using a 15-1 run to claim the 25-20 lead after a free throw by Melanie Siscos.

The Griffons regrouped the rest of the half using a 16-8 run helping them claim the three point halftime lead. The Griffons were led by Jallisa Lewis with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting while Alicia Bell had three of the Griffons eight steals. MWSU 7-of-12 free throws and 3-of-10 long range shots in the first frame.

The Hawks were led by Siscos with 10 points going 4-for-5 from the field. The Hawks out-rebounded the Griffons 20-to-17 and made all five of its free throws.

In the second half, both teams played even throughout. Rockhurst had a chance to take the lead with the score at 57-56 but missed on a 1-and-1 from the free-throw line.

Sharniece Lewis nailed a 3-pointer with 4:15 to play to make it 60-56. Missouri Western eventually had a lead 63-60 lead with 40 seconds to play when Jallisa Lewis recorded an offensive rebound and put in a layup to take a 5-point lead. The Griffons finished with a 67-63 victory.

Missouri Western finished with seven 3s, including three from Sharniece Lewis, who finished with 11 points. Her sister Jallisa had a team-high 16. Heather Howard finished with a double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Griffons start conference play Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. against Truman State. The two teams have played once this season in a nonconference game, in which the Bulldogs pulled out 67-65.

— MWSU Sports Information —