ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western women’s basketball team won its fourth consecutive home game, all coming by 20 or more points, with a 77-49 win over Lincoln Wednesday night.

The win avenged a loss to the Blue Tigers earlier this season and clinched a spot in the MIAA Tournament for Missouri Western. The Griffons move to 12-10 overall and 7-9 in MIAA play.

Aided by a career-high 20 points from Ariana Novak, the Griffons had little trouble dispatching of the visiting Blue Tigers. As a team, MWSU shot 53 percent from the field and 37 percent from behind the arc, while holding Lincoln to 33 percent from each. Novak went 6-10 from three-point range and 7-16 from the field. She added five rebounds to go with her 20 points. LaQuinta Jefferson finished with a game-high 24 points and added four rebounds  and four assists.

The Griffons forced 22 Lincoln turnovers and outscored the Blue Tigers, 42-16 in the paint along with holding a 38-26 rebounding advantage.

Missouri Western looks to wrap up a spot in the MIAA tournament field when they travel to Northwest Missouri State on Feb. 21. Missouri Western defeated the Bearcats, 58-37 earlier this season.

— MWSU Sports Information —