The Missouri Western women’s basketball team outscored Evangel by 25 points in the second half Friday night as they cruised to a 75-41 win in Griffons’ opener of the inaugural Holiday Inn Express Classic at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Western took a nine-point lead to the break after shooting 38.5 percent from the field in the first. Missouri Western shot 69.6 percent from the field in the second half and 51 percent for the game. The Griffon defense held Evangel to 36 percent from the field for the game. MWSU finished the night with 15 steals and forced 26 Crusader turnovers.

LaQuinta Jefferson led the team with 20 points and Sarafina Handy chipped in 16. Tiara Hall led the team with six rebounds.

Missouri Western improves to 4-1 this season and they’ve now won three consecutive games.  The Griffons will take on Maryville University at 5 p.m. on Saturday to close out the classic. Maryville defeated Lyon College, 71-56 Friday night. Saturday’s game will be broadcast on 680 KFEQ and here on StJosephPost.com.

— MWSU Sports Information —