Western women defeat Central Missouri to snap five-game skid

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western women’s basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak with an impressive, 77-69 win over Central Missouri, the team’s first win over Central Missouri since Jan. 16, 2008 (13 games).The Jennies were fresh off upsetting No. 1 Emporia State but were held to 31 percent shooting from the field in the second half as the Griffons made 10-20 field goals in the second frame to take the game.

In a tale of two halves, Missouri Western tied the game on a Mariah Jordan layup less than two minutes into the second half and never trailed again after falling behind by as many as 15 in the first half. MWSU built the lead to 10 with 9:43 to go after a Sarafina Handy three-pointer. The lead expanded to 13 after a jumper from Handy with 3:19 left. Central Missouri was able to cut the lead to six with 1:13 to play but free throws from Chelsea Dewey and Miliakere Koyamainavure iced the victory.

Central Missouri grabbed a 15-point lead nine minutes into the game. Missouri Western used a 22-6 run to take it a one-point lead with 5:17 to go until halftime on a free-throw by LaQuinta Jefferson. Central Missouri outscored MWSU 11-10 over the final five minutes of the half to take a 44-42 lead into halftime.

Central Missouri Shot 61.5 percent from the field in the first half but were limited to 9-29 for 31 percent in the second frame. The Griffons were also able to lock down the perimeter in the second half, allowing just one of 11 UCM threes.

LaQuinta Jefferson and Sarafina Handy led the Griffons with 20 points each and Chelsea Dewey chipped in 14. Handy’s 20 point performance was a season-high for the junior guard. The Griffons shot 49 percent from the field, 53 percent from behind the arc and 70 percent at the free throw line. They held the Jennies to 45 percent from the field, 22 percent from three and 58 percent at the line.

The win moved Missouri Western to 7-7 on the season and 2-6 in MIAA play. Saturday, the team travels to Bolivar, Missouri to take on Southwest Baptist (5-9, 1-6).

— MWSU Sports Information —