The Missouri Western women’s basketball team struggled offensively in a 62-55 loss against the Emporia State Lady Hornets. The Griffons had just one player score in double figures falling to 12-4 on the season and 5-3 in MIAA play.
The Griffons struggled all day offensively and after starting the game 3-of-13 from the field MWSU found themselves down just three at 12-9 with 12:00 minutes to play in the first half. The Lady Hornets took a 34-26 lead after two Laura Patrick free throws with 48 seconds to play in the frame. The rest of the half belonged to senior Alicia Bell. She made a free throw and a three as time expired cutting the halftime lead to 34-30.
The Griffons were able to stay in the first half by getting 14 offensive rebounds which led to 11 second chance points and by the shooting of Sharniece Lewis. Lewis connected of 5-of-9 field goals for 14 points.
The Lady Hornets made 13-of-28 field goals with Marissa Quick leading the way with eight points. She also had six of ESU’s 17 rebounds.
The second half was a back and forth battle as the Griffons cut the Lady Hornet lead to one early in the half when JaQuitta Dever finished a three point play. Unfortunately the poor shooting continued as the ESU extended its lead to 10 with 13:17 to play after two Partrick free throws.
Once again the Griffons played hard and cut the ESU lead to three with 3:34 to play after Heather Howard connected on a free throw making the score 57-54. It was one of those days as the one scored on point down the stretch falling for just the fourth time this season.
The Griffons out rebounded the Lady Hornets 41-38 with 18 coming on the offensive end of the floor. Missouri Western was just 7-of-28 in the second half and 0-of-10 from long range. Lewis finished with 14 points while Bell had nine points, seven rebounds and four assists. Howard had just five points and picked up nine rebounds. It is just the second time all season Howard has been held under 10 points.
ESU had three players in double digits with Partrick finishing with a game high 17 points. Rachel Hanf and Quick pitched in 12 and 11 while Jocelyn Cummings had 12 rebounds. With the victory ESU improves to 8-6 overall and 3-3 in MIAA play.
The Griffons return to action on Wednesday, January 23 when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to take on the 11th ranked Central Missouri Jennies. Game time is set for 5:30 pm from the Multi-Purpose Building.
— MWSU Sports Information —