The Missouri Western women’s basketball team ended a four-game losing streak Saturday evening at the MWSU Fieldhouse, defeating Nebraska-Kearney 71-36.

With the win, the Griffons clinched a berth in the 2013 MIAA Tournament which starts Tuesday, March 5.

The Griffons improve to 14-10 overall and 7-9 in the MIAA, and drop the Lopers to 6-17, 3-13.

Missouri Western started off slowly, falling behind 7-3 in the first 5 minutes. The Griffons reversed their fortune, going on a 21-2 run after that, eventually holding a big, 37-13 lead at the break.

Denis WHite went 4-for-5 from the field in the first half, scoring eight points with three rebounds and two steals. Heather Howard matched Whites’ efforts with nine seven points, three rebounds and three steals. Sharniece Lewis led the Griffons with nine points, knocking down three 3-pointers in the first half.

Three players tied for a team-high 12 points, which included Lewis, Howard and JaQuitta Dever. The Griffons forced 39 turnovers, which included 28 steals.

Up next for the Griffons is a road game against Fort Hays State, followed by the season finale, a home game against Southwest Baptist.

— MWSU Sports Information —