MARSHALL, Minn. – Five members of the Missouri Western women’s basketball team scored in double figures Saturday and the team scored 56 points in the second half as they defeated Upper Iowa 89-80 at the Southwest Minnesota State/Applebee’s Classic.

Missouri Western shot 61 percent from the field – 56 percent from three-point range – in the second half after shooting 40 percent from the field and missing all five first half three point tries. Sarafina Handy scored 12 in the second half after two in the first to finish with 14 points.

Julia Torres-Alves led the Griffons with 18 points on eight of 12 shooting and added eight rebounds  before she fouled out. Miliakere Koyamainavure had a double-double for Missouri Western with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Chelsea Dewey added 12 points as did Dwanisha Tate.

The win improved Missouri Western to 2-0 on the season. The team will return to St. Joseph for its home opener next Thursday, Nov. 19 to face Minnesota State-Mankato at 6 p.m.

— MWSU Athletics —