ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western women’s basketball lost at home to Missouri Southern Thursday night 61-52. The Griffons fall to 11-14 this season and 4-12 in the MIAA, while Southern improves to 11-13 and 8-8 in league play.

After three quarters of back and forth basketball, MWSU’s offense went cold. The Griffons shot 14 percent from the field and went the final eight minutes without a field goal. The fourth quarter woes overshadowed a hot start to the game and end of the third quarter by Missouri Western.

The Griffons shot 70 percent from the field and put up 19 points in the first quarter. MWSU built momentum in the third quarter with a 12-6 run over the last 5:06. However, the first and third quarter efforts were not enough to prevent the fourth quarter struggles.

NOTABLES
– Missouri Western outscored Missouri Southern 16-3 off the bench

– The Griffons were whistled for 25 fouls, 10 more than the Lions

– MWSU forced 20 turnovers, the most since Southwest Baptist on Jan. 15

– Melia Richardson had a team-high 18 points for the Griffons and broke a three game drought of 10 or less points

– MWSU was 60 percent from the three-point line in the first quarter but made one three over the next three quarters

– MSSU’s Desirea Buerge (25 points) and Chelsey Henry (20) combined for 45 of the team’s 61 points

UP NEXT
Missouri Western plays its final home game on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. against Pittsburg State. The Griffons will honor their four seniors on Saturday as well.

— MWSU Athletics —