ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western women’s basketball team secured a home game in the opening round of the MIAA tournament with a 78-65 win over Southwest Baptist Saturday.

Following the game, five Griffon seniors were recognized for their contributions to Griffon Athletics. Alex Saxen, Ariana Novak, Tiara Hall, Kyrsten Crawford and Friday Chuol all played their final regular season game inside the fieldhouse.

Missouri Western finished the regular season with a 14-11 overall record and a 9-10 mark in MIAA play.

A slugfest through the first 30 minutes, the Griffons led by five at half but opened it up late in the second half. The Griffons led by one with 11 to go but used an 11-2 run to take a 10-point lead with 5:35 left in the game.

The Griffons were led by LaQuinta Jefferson’s 23 points. Miliakere Koyamainavure finished with a double-double, scoring 152 and pulling down 10 rebounds. Chelsea Dewey scored 15 and had eight rebounds while Novak scored 10 on Senior Day. MWSU won the battle on the boards, pulling down 49 rebounds to the Bearcats’ 35.

Missouri Western is guaranteed a home game Tuesday, March 3 to open the MIAA Tournament. The game will be played at 7 p.m., the opponent is yet to be determined. Stay with gogriffons.com for updates.

— MWSU Sports Information —