The Missouri Western women’s basketball team won its third straight home game and second straight overall in impressive fashion, defeating Northwest Missouri State 58-37 Wednesday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Northwest Missouri State failed to match the Griffon first half point total for the entire game. MWSU took a 42-14 lead to halftime on 39 percent shooting from the field, including a perfect 11-11 from the free throw line. Sarafina Handy had 19 of her career-high 22 points in the first half as the Griffons jumped on the Bearcats early and didn’t let up.

A lower scoring second half saw the Griffons outscored by seven but it still wasn’t enough to close the gap created in the first half. MWSU finished shooting 33 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point range and 70 percent from the free throw line. They forced 19 Northwest turnovers which were converted into 29 of Missouri Western’s points.

Handy led all scorers with 22 and added five steals and five rebounds. Tiara Hall had nine with eight rebounds and Ariana Novak finished with seven points and six boards. With the win, Missouri Western moved to 10-9 on the year and 5-8 in MIAA play.

Missouri Western will look for their fourth straight home win and third overall when Lindenwood comes to the fieldhouse on Feb. 7. The Griffons downed Lindenwood, 87-59 on Jan. 31 in St. Charles. Saturday night’s game is also Military Appreciation along with Youth Basketball Night and Boy Scout Night.

— MWSU Sports Information —