KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The tone was set early and it didn’t change. The top-seeded Missouri Western women’s basketball team struggled through foul trouble from start to finish, falling 85-74 to fourth seeded Emporia State in the MIAA Tournament semifinals.

Three Griffons fouled out of the game and Missouri Western ended with 34 personal fouls to Emporia State’s 17. The Griffons were awarded 16 free throw attempts to Emporia State’s 41. Missouri Western made 28 field goal attempts and Emporia State, 25. The Lady Hornets made one three-point field goal, Missouri Western made five. Emporia State did out-rebound the Griffons 33-21, but the difference was clearly at the free throw line.

Miliakere Koyamainavure led Missouri Western with 19 points and four rebounds. Sarafina Handy finished with 16 points and LaQuinta Jefferson had 12. The loss dropped Missouri Western to 27-3 on the season. The team will now await its postseason fate. That announcement will be made Sunday night at 9 when the NCAA Regional brackets are released.

— MWSU Athletics —