Dave Riggert – Page 339 – St. Joseph Post Archive

No. 24 Missouri women cruise to 100-65 win over Ole Miss

Posted on February 23, 2017February 23, 2017

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Sophie Cunningham made 5 of 7 from 3-point range, 11 of 13 overall, and finished with 32 points to help No. 24 Missouri beat Ole Miss 100-65 on Thursday night.

The Tigers (20-9, 10-5 Southeastern) have won 20 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1985-87.

Sierra Michaelis added 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and Lindsey Cunningham scored 21 points for the Tigers, who had 21 assists on 30 field goals. Kayla McDowell made her first 3-pointer of the season and Missouri hit 14 of 23 (60.9 percent) from distance. The Tigers also made 60 percent of their field goals and hit 26 of 31 free throws.

Freshman guard Jordan Chavis ended the third quarter with a 3 from just inside the half court.

Madinah Muhammad scored a career-high 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Rebels (16-12, 5-10), who were held to 35 percent and were outrebounded 36-28.

It was Missouri’s most points scored in a conference game since Feb. 25, 1989.

— Associated Press —

Northwest Missouri State women fall at home to Lindenwood

Posted on February 23, 2017

By David Boyce

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State gave up 13 points to Lindenwood freshman forward Kallie Bildner in the first half. The Bearcats needed to slow her down in the second half.

But Bildner scored Lindenwood’s first eight points in the third quarter and that gave the Lions a 10-point cushion over the Bearcats. Northwest never recovered, falling 65-53 Thursday evening at Bearcat Arena. Bildner went 12 for 14 from the field and finished with 29 points.

“She is a very good freshman,” said Northwest coach Buck Scheel. “I knew she was going to be motivated coming into this game because her dad played here. It was that opportunity to play in the same gym her dad played in.

“We didn’t do a good job stopping her. When players are really bringing it, you have to step up.”

Northwest concludes its regular season Saturday afternoon at home against Lincoln. The math is really simple. If Northwest beats Lincoln, it nabs the final spot in the MIAA Tournament. The season is over if Northwest loses.

“You look at Saturday’s game and it is win and move on or lose and be done,” Scheel said. “How much are we going to fight? We have made a lot of improvements. They have earned the opportunity to still be in the mix.”

The Bearcats were in position to win when the third quarter started. But Bildner scored the first basket in the second half and gave Lindenwood a 34-26 lead. The field goal showed Northwest still didn’t have an answer for her.

Northwest tried fouling Bildner. It didn’t work. She made four straight free throws early in the third quarter. Her fourth one gave Lindenwood its first double-digit lead at 40-30.

The Bearcats spent the rest of the game trying to close the gap, but never threatened Lindenwood.

“It was one of those nights where we really couldn’t generate any momentum,” Scheel said.

One bright spot for the Bearcats was Jasmin Howe’s mother and oldest brother made the trip from Australia to see her play her final two home games. Howe scored 10 points, going five for 10 from the field.

“It is exciting that they will be able to watch my last game here,” Howe said. “It means everything to me. I have been so far away from home. My mom watches every single game. For her to be here and get to experience this with me, my last game, it is just huge. I am glad they could be here for me.”

Despite never taking a lead in the first half, Northwest played hard the entire 20 minutes. Because of that effort, the Bearcats trailed only 32-26 at halftime.

Lindenwood scored the first four points of the game and held an early 12-6 lead. Northwest quickly fought back on a basket by sophomore Arbrie Benson and a three-point play by Howe, making it 12-11.

The Lions scored the next five and pushed their lead back to six. They took a 21-15 lead into the second quarter.

Northwest started the second quarter with a three-pointer by Tanya Meyer. But over the next few minutes, the Bearcats struggled on offense fell behind 29-21. The Bearcats managed to chip away two points off their deficit the rest of the second quarter.

The offense basically came from three sources in the first half for Northwest. Meyer scored nine, Benson added seven and sophomore Mallory McAndrews hit two three-pointer.

— Northwest Athletics —

Nebraska loses at Michigan State 88-72

Posted on February 23, 2017February 23, 2017

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Miles Bridges was having a mediocre game by his standings when Michigan State coach Tom Izzo put him back in a closely contested game late in the first half.

It didn’t take long for the freshman standout to take the game over.

Bridges scored nine points during a decisive run and finished with 20, leading the Spartans in an 88-72 win over Nebraska on Thursday night.

“My teammates got me the ball in all the right places,” he said.

One time, Cassius Winston put the ball about 11 feet in the air to set up Bridges for a spectacular slam.

Bridges made two layups, a dunk on Winston’s pass off the backboard and a 3-pointer in a 2:12 stretch late in the first half as part of a 21-5 run that turned a closely contested game into a rout. Winston ended the surge with a 3-pointer from about 40 feet just before the buzzer in the first half.

“I might skip that one on tape,” Cornhuskers coach Tim Miles said.

Nick Ward had 20 points, giving Michigan State two freshmen with 20-plus points in a game for the first time since the 1977-78 season when Magic Johnson scored 31 and Jay Vincent had 22 points.

Joshua Langford scored a career-high 17 points as the Spartans (17-11, 9-6 Big Ten ) bounced back from a 17-point setback at No. 14 Purdue and the loss of senior Eron Harris with a dominant performance in a game they needed to win.

Michigan State boosted its chances of earning a 20th straight invite to the NCAA tournament with its fifth victory in seven games and moved into a fourth-place tie with Minnesota and Northwestern in the conference .

“Feel comfortable? Forget about it,” Izzo said. “That’s not going to happen this year.”

The Cornhuskers (12-15, 6-9) were coming off two straight wins and fell into a ninth-place tie with Illinois and Penn State in the Big Ten.

Nebraska’s Tai Webster had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Evan Taylor scored 10 points.

The Spartans led 49-31 at halftime and coasted to another lopsided win over the Cornhuskers, who were trailing by just two points before Bridges and the Spartans took over the game for good.

BIG PICTURE

Nebraska: The Cornhuskers simply haven’t been able to repeat the success they had at the start of the Big Ten season. They opened with road wins against Indiana and Maryland as part of a 3-0 start, then lost five straight and have lost nine of their last 12. During the slide, they mixed in a win over then-No. 20 Purdue.

“Just growing pains, I guess,” Webster said. “We’re a young team. We get in situations we’re not used to with a lot of young players.”

Just when Nebraska looked like it might be turning it around with a 16-point win over Penn State and a victory at Ohio State, the Spartans won easily.

“Anybody can beat anybody any night,” Miles said.

Michigan State: The Spartans played just fine without Harris, one of their three double-digit scorers. They leaned even more on their four freshmen — Bridges, Ward, Langford and Winston — and started senior Alvin Ellis for the first time in two years. Bridges, Langford and Ward took care of the scoring load while Winston directed the offense, making seven of his eight assists in the first half.

Bridges said it was “big,” that he and Ward both scored 20 in a game.

“We have to carry the scoring load, and stay aggressive,” Bridges said. “We’re tough to stop in the paint.”

HE’S NO LOSER

With the win, Izzo is guaranteed to extend his run of avoiding a losing record in the Big Ten for the 22nd time in his 22-season career. If the Spartans close the regular season with three straight losses, they will be .500 for the fifth time under their Hall of Fame coach and the first time in a decade.

FACES IN THE CROWD

Former San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci , Izzo’s best friend, attended the game and chatted at halftime with Lions coach Jim Caldwell and some of his assistants. Izzo said Caldwell addressed the team in the locker room after the game.

UP NEXT

Nebraska: Hosts Illinois on Sunday night.

Michigan State: Host No. 16. Wisconsin on Sunday in the Spartans’ last home game before closing the regular season at Illinois and at No. 24 Maryland.

— Associated Press —

High School Basketball Scores – Wednesday, February 22

Posted on February 22, 2017February 22, 2017

GIRLS
Lafayette 49 (14-8, 6-1 MEC)
Savannah 34

Staley 30
Benton 27 (15-10)

CLASS 3 DISTRICT 16 – SEMIFINALS
Trenton 48
Hamilton 38

Lathrop 62
East Buchanan 43

CLASS 2 DISTRICT 16 – SEMIFINALS
Mid-Buchanan 62
Plattsburg 36

Stanberry 51
Gallatin 49

CLASS 1 DISTRICT 15 – SEMIFINALS
DeKalb 57
Stewartsville 46

King City 35
North Andrew 19

BOYS
CLASS 1 DISTRICT 16 – SEMIFINALS
Jefferson 42
Nodaway-Holt 30

Mound City 60
South Nodaway 47

CLASS 1 DISTRICT 14 – SEMIFINALS
Mercer 69
North Harrison 33

Worth County 53
Pattonsburg 38

No. 3 Kansas routs TCU to clinch share of 13th straight Big 12 title

Posted on February 22, 2017February 22, 2017

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Frank Mason III scored 20 points, Carlton Bragg provided a big lift off the bench and No. 3 Kansas pulled away in the second half to beat TCU 87-68 on Wednesday night and clinch a share of its 13th consecutive Big 12 championship.

Devonte Graham added 17 points and seven assists, and Bragg and Josh Jackson scored 15 points apiece, as the Jayhawks (25-3, 13-2) cruised to their NCAA-leading 60th conference title.

Their streak dating to coach Bill Self’s second season in Lawrence matches the Division I record of 13 straight league titles UCLA set in the 1960s and `70s. To put it into perspective, Kansas has not failed to win a share of the Big 12 since the 20-year-old Jackson was 8.

Kansas can clinch the outright title with a victory at Texas on Saturday.

Alex Robinson had 15 points for the Horned Frogs (17-11, 6-9), who have lost four straight and still have never won in Allen Fieldhouse. Jaylen Fisher added 11 points and JD Miller had 10.

As the final seconds ticked away, Self congratulated his assistant coaches on the bench, and the Jayhawks donned white championship hats. Jackson had trouble tucking his over his bushy hair, but all that did was add to the festive atmosphere inside the Jayhawks’ storied arena.

Just like in their first meeting in Fort Worth, when the Horned Frogs gave Kansas everything it could handle most of the way, this one was a nip-and-tuck matchup well into the second half.

The Jayhawks’ superior guard play eventually opened a gap.

It began after TCU had closed to 49-47 on a basket by Miller with about 16 minutes left. The Jayhawks answered moments later when Mason lobbed a pass to Jackson and the springy freshman forward — showing no signs that his ankle was still bothering him — threw it down for a dunk.

The play touched off eight straight points that allowed Kansas to pry open a game in which nobody had led by more than five. And when the Jayhawks went on another run a few minutes later, this one led by Landon Lucas and Bragg in the paint, the crowd inside the Phog began to sense another championship.

The dagger came when Svi Mykhailiuk curled in a 3-pointer from the corner with just over 3 minutes left, giving Kansas a 78-64 lead and allowing the celebration to begin.

One that has become oh-so common over the past 13 years.

BIG PICTURE

TCU had won three straight before its current skid, which has nearly eliminated the Horned Frogs from the NCAA Tournament bubble. They have lost 21 straight against ranked opponents.

Kansas has ripped off five straight wins as it begins to positions itself for a run at the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks have beat two top-10 teams during their latest streak.

WHAT A RUSH

Former Kansas star Brandon Rush had his jersey retired at halftime, joining fellow No. 25s B.H. Born and Danny Manning in Fieldhouse rafters. Rush’s jersey was positioned next to the No. 15 of Mario Chalmers, his teammate in helping the Jayhawks to the 2008 national title.

“Man, it feels so good to be back on this floor again. This is a special day for me and my family, and I appreciate it,” Rush said. “This is the biggest day of my life.”

UP NEXT

TCU heads plays No. 12 West Virginia at home Saturday.

Kansas visits struggling Texas on Saturday night.

— Associated Press —

K-State struggles after halftime, falls at home to Oklahoma State 80-68

Posted on February 22, 2017February 22, 2017

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Jawun Evans and Leyton Hammonds led Oklahoma State back from a 14-point first-half deficit to defeat Kansas State 80-68 on Wednesday night.

With 6:07 left in the first half, Oklahoma State (19-9, 8-7 Big 12) used a 14-0 run over the next 3:08 to tie the game at 33. An Evans’ 3-pointer as time expired at the half left the Cowboys with a one-point deficit.

Oklahoma State took the lead on a Hammonds layup with 16:03 left in the game. Hammonds finished with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds. Evans scored a game-high 21 points, making 11 of 12 free throws, and had nine assists. Brandon Averette added 13 points.

The Cowboys outscored the Wildcats 42-29 in the second half.

Wesley Iwundu led the Wildcats (17-11, 6-9) with 21 points, shooting 14 of 17 from the free-throw line, and collecting nine rebounds. Dean Wade scored 11 points.

BIG PICTURE

Oklahoma State: The Cowboys have won four in a row.

Kansas State: The Wildcats have lost four straight at home.

UP NEXT

Oklahoma State: Hosts Texas Tech on Saturday

Kansas State: Travels to Oklahoma on Saturday

— Associated Press —

Missouri State fades late in loss at Bradley

Posted on February 22, 2017February 22, 2017

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Luuk van Bree scored 17 points and Bradley secured its first back-to-back wins of the season with a 77-68 victory over Missouri State on Wednesday night.

Bradley earned a split with Missouri State and sits one game behind the Bears for sixth in the Missouri Valley standings with one game to go. The top six earn a first-round bye in the tournament which starts March 2.

Nate Kennell finished with 12 points and eight rebounds and JoJo McGlaston added 11 and six for Bradley (11-19, 6-11). The Braves shot 55.8 percent, won the rebound battle 31-20, and held a 20-8 advantage in assists.

Dequon Miller led Missouri State (16-14, 7-10) with 26 points. The Bears shot 51.1 percent clip, but committed 17 turnovers.

The Bears held a nine-point lead early in the second half. The Braves quickly battled back, taking the lead on a Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye 3 with 12:03 left and led the rest of the way.

— Associated Press —

High School Basketball Scores – Tuesday, February 21

Posted on February 21, 2017February 21, 2017

BOYS
Central 69 (19-5, 6-3 Suburban)
Liberty North 42

CLASS 3 DISTRICT 16 TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
1 Maryville 77
8 Brookfield 29

5 Bishop LeBlond 43
4 Lathrop 35

2 Hamilton 64
7 South Harrison 42

3 Trenton 73
6 East Buchanan 49

CLASS 2 DISTRICT 16 TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
1 Stanberry 54
8 Polo 44

4 Plattsburg 68
5 Princeton 65

2 Mid-Buchanan 49
7 Gallatin 34

6 Maysville 64
3 East Atchison 58

CLASS 1 DISTRICT 15 TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
1 North Andrew 86
8 Osborn 27

5 King City 45
4 St. Jospeh Christian 41

2 South Holt 79
7 DeKalb 30

3 Stewartsville 62
6 Union Star 40

GIRLS
CLASS 1 DISTRICT 16 TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
1 Jefferson 63
8 Northeast Nodaway 22

4 Rock Port 52
5 North Nodaway 38

2 Mound City 63
7 West Nodaway 19

3 South Nodaway 63
6 Nodaway-Holt 40

CLASS 1 DISTRICT 14 TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
1 Mercer 88
8 Newton-Harris 18

5 Gillman City 54
4 Pattonsburg 50

2 North Harrison 47
7 Albany 30

3 Worth County 50
6 Cainsville 42

Mizzou’s upset bid comes up short against No. 11 Kentucky 72-62

Posted on February 21, 2017February 21, 2017

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Bam Adebayo’s fourth double-double of the season helped No. 11 Kentucky avoid a late-season upset, as the freshman scored 22 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds in the Wildcats’ 72-62 victory over Missouri on Tuesday night.

Terrence Phillips led Missouri with a career-high 22 points, shooting 4 for 8 from 3-point range while the rest of the Tigers shot a combined 0 for 14.

Neither team led by more than two possessions in a low-scoring first half. Missouri (7-20, 2-13 Southeastern Conference) took a 28-24 lead with 4:27 remaining in the half following a 7-0 run. John Calipari called a time out after a layup by Jordan Barnett capped the Tigers’ run, and the Wildcats held a 31-30 halftime lead despite shooting 1 for 8 from the field to close the half. Barnett finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Kentucky (23-5, 13-2) dominated the glass in the second half, outrebounding the Tigers 26-12 led by Adebayo, who had 10 second-half rebounds.

Missouri was in foul trouble all game as its frontcourt struggled with Kentucky’s size and athleticism. The Wildcats made 19 of 28 free throws, while Missouri converted on 14 of 23 attempts. Missouri forwards Reed Nikko and Russell Woods had both fouled out with 4:30 remaining, forcing the Tigers to go small. Woods and Nikko were limited to 24 combined minutes due to foul trouble.

De’Aaron Fox scored 13 points and Malik Monk added 11 despite shooting 4 for 12 from the field. Monk entered the game averaging a team-high 21.4 points per game.

BIG PICTURE

Kentucky: The Wildcats remain tied with No. 13 Florida for first place in the SEC. The Gators defeated South Carolina 81-66 Wednesday in Gainesville. Kentucky improves to 6-2 on the road, tying the Gators for the most conference road victories.

Missouri: The Tigers have never beaten the Wildcats in 10 attempts. Missouri has not beaten a ranked opponent since an 80-71 home win against then-No. 18 UCLA on Dec. 7, 2013.

UP NEXT

Kentucky: Hosts Florida on Saturday. The Gators defeated the Wildcats 88-66 on Feb. 4 in Gainesville.

Missouri: Visits Ole Miss on Saturday. The Rebels defeated Missouri 75-71 Jan. 21 in Columbia.

— Associated Press —

Kansas State women win 20th game, beat No. 16 Oklahoma 79-71

Posted on February 21, 2017February 21, 2017

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Karyla Middlebrook scored 19 points, Breanna Lewis added 18 and Kansas State held off No. 16 Oklahoma’s late rally for a 79-71 victory on Tuesday night.

Kansas State (20-8, 10-6 Big 12) has 20 wins for the first time since the 2011-12 season, including coach Jeff Mittie’s three seasons with the Wildcats. Oklahoma (21-7, 12-4 Big 12) had its five-game win streak snapped.

Kansas State had a 22-12 lead with 1:48 left in the first quarter, and maintained its double-digit advantage until late in the third quarter. The Sooners used a 15-4 run between the third and fourth quarters to pull to 61-60 with 5:14 to play.

Lewis scored five points, Eternati Willock added four of her 10 points, and the Wildcats stretched their lead to 70-62 with 1:51 left. Oklahoma cut the deficit to six but didn’t’ get closer.

Vionise Pierre-Louis scored 21 points to lead the Sooners.

— Associated Press —