The Missouri Western women’s basketball team lost an exhibition game against Missouri Tuesday night inside Mizzou Arena, 78-75.

Missouri led by as many as 18 in the second half before MWSU closed the gap with a chance to tie at the buzzer. LaQuinta Jefferson missed a three that would have sent the game into overtime and handed the Mizzou women their second straight close win against an MIAA opponent. Last week, the Tigers downed Lindenwood by six.

The Griffons and Tigers stayed even throughout the first part of the first half but the Tigers eventually pulled away shooting 44% and forcing the Griffons into 17 team fouls. Missouri led at the break 41-25. In the second half, the Griffons were able to close the gap hitting four three-pointers and converting on 13-17 free throws in the half.

LaQuinta Jefferson scored 40 points in the game and collected five rebounds. Sarafina Handy added 10 points for the Griffons and Ariana Novak had eight points.

Missouri Western begins its regular season at Quincy, Illinois for the Quincy Classic as they take on Robert Morris College on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and Quincy Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

The game against Robert Morris can be heard on 680 KFEQ and the Griffon Sports Network.

— MWSU Sports Information —