Ariana Novak and Sharniece Lewis each made three 3-pointers as the Griffons increased their record to 3-0 Friday night with their win over Illinois-Springfield 78-41.

Missouri Western jumped out to a 3-0 lead at MWSU Fieldhouse after Novak hit her first of three triples. Countered with 29 personal foul calls through the night on Illinois Springfield, it made for an easy one for the Griffons.

The Griffons led 21-14 with 8:31 remaining in the first half. The lead increased to double-digits shortly after when Novak sank a 3 to go up 25-14. Novak’s layup with 4:07 put Western up 34-16, its largest lead of the night until Lewis knocked down a triple one minute later to mark the score 37-18.

Quenisha Lockett and Alexis Gray have given coach Rob Edmisson two solid post players so far this year. Lockett’s 10 and Gray’s 11 helpted the Griffons increase their lead in the second half. Tiara Hall extended the lead past 30 as time began to wind down in the game.

Hall’s two free throws came right before Jallisa Lewis dropped in a final trey to mark the final score.

Lockett was 4 of 5 from the field, while Novak finished 5 of 11 for a game-high 15 points. The Prairie Stars were led by Alyssa Palmer, who had 10 points in their first game of the year. Missouri Western outrebounded Illinois-Springfield 45-31.

— MWSU Sports Information —