The Missouri Western women’s basketball squad outscored the Rockhurst Hawks 30-18 in the second half lifting the Griffons to a 57-50 victory in Kansas City, Mo. Western made 23-of-27 free throws evening their record to 2-2 on the season.
The Griffons led just twice in the first half at 7-6 and 9-8 after Jessica Koch nailed a three pointer with 17:40 to play in the frame and a jumper with 16:23 to play. The Hawks went on a 14-5 run during the next eight minutes claiming an eight point lead after a Gabbie Binion three with 8:45 to play.
The Griffons cut the lead to three twice but another 8-2 run by the Hawks pushed its lead to 32-23 with 42 seconds play in the half after a jumper by Megan Cook. Four free throws down the stretch by Koch helped Western close the Rockhurst lead to 32-27 at the half.
The Hawks opened up the second half pushing their lead to 36-27 but a 15-4 run by Western and a layup by Charlonda Bozeman with 10:53 to play gave Western a 42-40 lead which was their first lead since the 16:23 mark of the first half.
Western was able to tighten up their defense down the stretch allowing the Hawks just 10 points in the final 10:53 of the game dropping Rockhurst to 0-4 on the season.
The Griffons did not shoot the greatest from the field making just 16-of-43 shots and 2-of-16 from long range. Western forced 27 turnovers scoring 21 points off those turnovers. They also had 20 points in the paint to the Hawks 14.
Koch made a career best 13 free throws in the game finishing with a game high 28 points. She also had two assists and four steals in the game. Brittany Griswold scored 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting with four rebounds while Bozeman dumped in seven points off the bench.
The Hawks shot 35.7-percent (20-56) from the field and made 6-of-8 free throw attempts. Chrissy Sarcone and Allison Streich both had 10 points for the Hawks. Kara McFarland led the charge on the boards with seven.
Western will return to action on Wednesday, November 30 when they travel to Pittsburg, Kan. for the MIAA opener. The Griffons take on the Pittsburg State Gorillas at 5:30 pm from John Lance Arena.
— MWSU Sports Information —