College – Page 240 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Missouri Western women use big second half to blow out Bearcats 78-57

Posted on January 28, 2017January 28, 2017

ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western women’s basketball team (15-5, 7-4 MIAA) used a furious second half to dominate Northwest Missouri State (7-11, 2-9) 78-57 Saturday afternoon in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

NOTABLES

– Six Griffons scored in double figures

– Missouri Western outscored Northwest by 20 in the second half

– The Griffons shot better than 58 percent from the field in the second half after shooting just better than 41 percent in the first half

– It was Missouri Western’s seventh-straight win in the series

– The Griffons forced 30 Northwest Missouri turnovers

TOP PERFORMERS

– Chelsea Dewey led the Griffons with 18 points despite being limited to 21 minutes due to early foul trouble

– Melia Richardson scored a career-high 14 points on 5-9 shooting from the field

– Julia Torres recorded a double-double with a career-high 14 rebounds and 11 points. She also added a career-high six rebounds

– Sefulu Faavae scored 14 points with five assists

UP NEXT
Missouri Western hits the road next week beginning at Lindenwood, (8-11, 4-8) Thursday, Feb. 2.

— MWSU Athletics —

Griffons fall at home to No. 1 Northwest Missouri State

Posted on January 28, 2017

ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team (7-13, 3-8 MIAA) could not overcome a cold second half from the three-point arc, falling to #1 Northwest Missouri 74-53 Saturday inside the MWSU Fieldhouse.

NOTABLES
– Missouri Western shot 11.1 percent from three-point in the second half
– Despite a cold second half, the Griffons shot 50 percent from the field
– MWSU outscored NWMSU 10-0 in fast break points
– Northwest Missouri had 23 points off the bench
– The Bearcats went on a 14-0 run with 14:10 left in the game after their lead was cut to one

TOP PERFORMERS
– Aaron Emmanuel finished with 20 points, his third highest performance of the season

– TJ Evans scored 14 points and shot 50 percent from the field

– Justin Pitts finished with a double-double for the Bearcats on 13 points and 11 assists

– Zach Schneider went 7-11 from the three-point arc, ending with 23 points

UP NEXT
Missouri Western hits the road next week beginning at Lindenwood with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m.

— MWSU Athletics —

No. 2 Kansas rallies for 79-73 win at No. 4 Kentucky

Posted on January 28, 2017

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Frank Mason III scored 21 points, Josh Jackson had 20 points and a pair of big 3-pointers and No. 2 Kansas rallied past No. 4 Kentucky 79-73 on Saturday night in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

The Challenge’s marquee matchup between college basketball’s two winningest programs ended with the Jayhawks earning their second straight win over the Wildcats on Kentucky’s home floor. Three-point shooting was critical for Kansas (19-2) as it shook off an 0-for-8 first half to make 5 of 11 after halftime, with Jackson’s consecutive 3s starting things for the Jayhawks. They shot 59 percent in the second half.

Mason had 13 second-half points and Landen Lucas contributed 13 points — including a layup with 4:41 remaining for a 69-59 lead — and five rebounds before fouling out. Jackson also had 10 rebounds.

Malik Monk and Derek Willis each had 18 points for Kentucky (17-4), which dropped its second straight.

THE BIG PICTURE

Kansas: Unfazed by first-half perimeter woes, the Jayhawks made their first three attempts from long range to change the momentum. They also forced 17 turnovers for 21 points. Devonte’ Graham had 12 points, and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk provided a big lift in place of suspended forward Carlton Bragg Jr., scoring eight points. This was Kansas’ first game since coach Bill Self acknowledged Thursday that police are investigating an alleged rape at the team’s dormitory.

Kentucky: The Wildcats’ ragged stretch just before halftime resulted in 10 turnovers, and their problems continued in the second half. They gave the Jayhawks all kinds of opportunities that not even 40-percent 3-point shooting could overcome. The Wildcats don’t lose often at Rupp Arena, but they now have two home defeats this season, both in marquee games against ranked teams — they lost to now-No. 8 UCLA in December.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Kansas’ gutsy win in a tough environment might be enough to convince some poll voters to put the Jayhawks on top. Kentucky figures to drop several spots with a home loss following an SEC defeat at mid-pack Tennessee.

UP NEXT

Kansas: The Jayhawks have a few days to savor this win before hosting No. 5 Baylor on Wednesday night in a battle of the Big 12’s top two teams. Iowa State comes in next Saturday.

Kentucky: Looks to end its two-game slide at home against Georgia on Tuesday night before traveling to Florida next Saturday.

— Associated Press —

K-State digs deep hole early and loses at Tennessee

Posted on January 28, 2017

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s young roster is starting to come of age.

Grant Williams scored 17 points Saturday as Tennessee defeated Kansas State 70-58 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge for the Volunteers’ third consecutive victory.

Rather than letting down in their first game after an 82-80 stunner over No. 4 Kentucky, the Vols built on their momentum. That represents a major achievement for a team that had struggled to establish consistency much of the season.

“Throughout the season, we would have a good game and then we’d take a step back,” said Williams, one of Tennessee’s three freshman starters. “We just preached to each other we’ve got to play hard and play our game. We did a good job of that.”

Tennessee also showed it has different formulas for success.

Robert Hubbs III carried Tennessee in the Kentucky game by collecting 25 points, but he wasn’t quite as productive against Kansas State. Hubbs was scoreless in the game’s first 16 minutes and finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.

The Vols instead relied on their ability to dominate the boards Saturday as they led by as many as 19 and never trailed all day.

Tennessee outrebounded Kansas State 43-29 and outscored the Wildcats 23-6 in second-chance points.

“We didn’t compete as hard as we needed to,” Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. “They competed and played hard, and we didn’t match it.”

Jordan Bowden had 13 points for Tennessee. Kansas State’s Barry Brown scored 17 points, including 15 in the second half. Wesley Iwundu had 14 and Kamau Stokes added 11 for the Wildcats (15-6), who lost their second straight.

Tennessee built a 39-22 halftime lead by capitalizing on Kansas State’s cold shooting. Kansas State shot just 8 of 22 and missed all six of its 3-point attempts in the first half, which ended with Tennessee on a 9-0 run

The Wildcats made five of their first six 3-point attempts in the second half, but they never got the deficit below nine.

“What we’ve done really the last two games for certain and really (the last) three is when teams have made a push back at us, we’ve been able to handle it,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said.

BIG PICTURE

Kansas State: The Wildcats need starting forwards D.J. Johnson and Dean Wade to get healthy. Weber said that nagging injuries have kept them from practicing and limited their effectiveness Saturday. Kansas State’s rebounding struggles resulted in part from the fact Johnson and Wade weren’t at full strength.

Tennessee: The Vols got a big contribution from Kyle Alexander, who had played just three minutes against Kentucky. His eight points represented his second-highest total of the season, and his nine rebounds were a season high. The 6-foot-10 sophomore was particularly effective in the opening minutes to help Tennessee take control for good.

“I’m really happy (for) and proud of Kyle Alexander,” Barnes said. “I thought he was just terrific to start the game. He was just going after rebounds. I thought he was terrific. I thought he was a guy who set a great tone for us on both ends really in terms of what he was trying to get done.”

KEY SEQUENCE

Tennessee’s ability to dominate the boards was most evident in what amounted to a six-point possession during the first half.

The Vols led 18-11 midway through the first half when Alexander was fouled after getting an offensive rebound. Alexander made his first free throw and missed the second, but Tennessee got the ball back when Hubbs won the rebound. On the ensuing possession, Jordan Bone scored and was fouled.

Bone missed the free throw but got a rebound that led to a Bowden 3-pointer that made it 24-11.

QUOTABLE

“I was kind of hoping they’d have a letdown a little bit after the two wins (over Mississippi State and Kentucky),” Weber said. “Obviously they didn’t. They took it to us right from the start.”

UP NEXT

Kansas State hosts TCU on Wednesday.

Tennessee is at Auburn on Tuesday.

— Associated Press —

Griffons picked second in preseason MIAA softball poll

Posted on January 27, 2017

ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western softball team, who won the 2016 MIAA regular season and tournament championships, was picked second in the 2017 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Griffons received two first place votes and were picked behind NFCA Preseason No. 19 Central Oklahoma in the poll.

Last year, Jen Bagley Trotter’s squad swept both MIAA titles for the first time in program history and advanced to the NCAA Central Sub-Regional Championship before falling to Southern Arkansas. MWSU finished 43-15 last season and 23-3 in the MIAA.

The 2017 team returns six 2016 All-MIAA selections, highlighted by first team honorees Morgan Rathmann and Katie Klosterman. Both were also named NFCA and D2CCA All-Region last year, and Klosterman was named MIAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

The 2017 season begins Feb. 4 at the Ronnie Hawkins Invitational in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

2017 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma (12) – 168
2. Missouri Western (2) – 152
3. Pittsburg State – 151
4. Northwest Missouri – 128
5. Central Missouri – 105
6. Northeastern State – 101
7. Southwest Baptist – 90
8. Emporia State – 86
9. Fort Hays State – 75
10. Missouri Southern – 62
11. Washburn – 55
12. Nebraska-Kearney – 46
13. Lindenwood – 40
14. Lincoln – 13

— MWSU Athletics —

Missouri Western picked third in preseason MIAA baseball poll

Posted on January 26, 2017January 26, 2017

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – MIAA baseball coaches seem to think the plate is set for Missouri Western baseball team to match its record-breaking 2016 season. The team was picked third in the MIAA Preseason Baseball poll as voted on by league coaches, receiving two first place votes.

The Griffons finished tied for third in the 2016 MIAA regular season before finishing as runner-up in the MIAA Tournament and advancing to the program’s third-ever NCAA Regional. The 2016 team won the second most games in program history (38-20) and broke program records for runs (481), RBIs (447) and home runs (67). Head coach Buzz Verduzco also logged his 500th career win last season.

2016 All-Region selections David Glaude and Landon Mason headline a group of eight returning position players and nine pitchers to the 2017 team. The season is right around the corner for the Griffons, who open Feb. 2 at the Air Hogs DII Classic in Grand Prarie, Texas.

2017 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 140
2. Emporia State (1) – 130
3. Missouri Western (2) – 119
4. Missouri Southern – 101
5. Washburn (1) – 100
6. Central Oklahoma – 90
7. Northeastern State – 75
8. Pittsburg State – 53
9. Northwest Missouri – 49
10. Nebraska-Kearney – 46
11. Lindenwood – 44
12. Fort Hays State – 36
13. Southwest Baptist – 31

— MWSU Athletics —

Kansas suspends Carlton Bragg for violation of team rules

Posted on January 26, 2017January 26, 2017

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self announced Thursday that Carlton Bragg Jr. has been suspended indefinitely from the team effective immediately.

“Carlton is suspended for a violation of team rules,” Self said. “This violation is not connected to the alleged incident in McCarthy Hall on December 17th.”

No. 2 Kansas travels to No. 4 Kentucky Saturday for a showdown with the Wilcats. The tip off is set for 5:15 from Rupp Arena.

— KU Athletics —

Porter’s career night helps Mizzou women defeat Auburn 68-53

Posted on January 26, 2017January 26, 2017

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball extended its winning-streak to four games with a dominant 68-53 win over Auburn at Mizzou Arena on Thursday night. That current winning streak matches Mizzou’s longest in conference play since it joined the SEC.

Sophomore forward Cierra Porter (Columbia, Mo.) was superb for the Tigers, as she poured in a career high 27 points (10-of-14 FG, 7-of-9 FT), including a 13-point fourth quarter explosion that saw her convert four three-point plays down low. Porter also led Mizzou in rebounding, snaring nine rebounds in the contest, one shy of securing her 10th double-double of the season.

Freshman guard Amber Smith (Shreveport, La.) was efficient and productive off the bench, shooting a career best 85.7 percent while posting 13 points, which was her highest scoring output in conference play and the second highest of her young career.

Redshirt senior Lindsey Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) added 12 points and five rebounds in 29 effective minutes.

The Tigers came out firing in the opening frame, dissecting Auburn’s defense to the tune of 50 percent shooting. Porter was strong in the period, posting six points and grabbing six rebounds. While Porter was grooving offensively, Mizzou’s defense proved stout, holding Auburn to just three field goals on its first eight attempts. The quarter ended with Mizzou up 16-13.

To start the second quarter, Porter continued her effective play, and Smith added a spark off the bench. As Porter drew attention offensively, Smith found creases in the defense, scoring nine points in the quarter while missing just one shot. Mizzou extended its lead to seven at halftime behind Smith’s outburst and Porter’s continued dominance in the low post.

Points were at a premium in the third quarter as Mizzou held Auburn to just nine-percent shooting in the period. The Cunningham sisters shined in the frame, scoring 10 of the Tigers’ 14 points in the quarter. Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) had a strong frame, as she ripped down four rebounds and had three points, courtesy of a corner three. Lindsey Cunningham consistently earned trips to the free throw line, where she made all five of her attempts. The Tigers ended the quarter up just 10, leading 47-37 heading to the fourth period.

Porter put an exclamation point on the victory with a dominant fourth quarter, scoring 13 consecutive points for Mizzou. Twelve of her 13 points in the frame came off of three-point plays as she muscled through contact and converted. Porter’s strong sequence allowed Mizzou to build an 18-point lead and coast to a win. With the win, Mizzou moves to 15-7 (5-3) on the season and 11-1 at home.

Mizzou continues its two-game homestand when it hosts Kentucky at Mizzou Arena on Monday. Tip off on SEC Network is set for 6 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Nebraska falls at Northwestern for fifth straight loss

Posted on January 26, 2017January 26, 2017

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Dererk Pardon dominated with 19 points and a career-high 22 rebounds to lead Northwestern to a 73-61 victory over struggling Nebraska on Thursday night.

Pardon, a sophomore, had the first 20-rebound game for Northwestern since Evan Eschmeyer grabbed 21 against Penn State on Jan. 20, 1999.

Vic Law scored 20, and the Wildcats (17-4, 6-2 Big Ten) won their fifth straight to match their longest streak in conference play since the 1965-66 season.

Tai Webster led Nebraska with 23 points. Glynn Watson Jr. scored 14, but the Cornhuskers (9-11, 3-5) dropped their fifth in a row after a 3-0 start in the Big Ten.

The Wildcats were leading 57-53 when Law hit two free throws with just under five minutes remaining in the game to start a 16-1 run.

Bryant McIntosh stole a pass that hit Nebraska’s Evan Taylor and fed Law for an alley-oop. Cornhuskers coach Tim Miles picked up a technical after pointing to a spot where he thought Pardon stepped out of bounds after grabbing a defensive rebound. That led to two free throws for McIntosh, making it 63-53 with 4:12 remaining.

Northwestern continued to pour it on with Sanjay Lumpkin nailing a 3 and Law getting fouled on a rebound dunk for a 3-point play with 1:17 left, making it 73-54. Pardon then exited to hugs from his teammates and “MVP! MVP!” chants.

BIG PICTURE

Nebraska: The struggles continue for the Cornhuskers, who have lost five straight after a 3-0 start in conference play.

Northwestern: The program that hosted the first Final Four continues to inch toward its first NCAA appearance.

UP NEXT

Nebraska: Hosts Purdue on Sunday.

Northwestern: Hosts Indiana on Sunday.

— Associated Press —

Mizzou falls at Mississippi State 89-74 for 11th straight loss

Posted on January 26, 2017

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Quinndary Weatherspoon had a career-high 29 points Wednesday night to lead Mississippi State to an 89-74 victory over Missouri.

Lamar Peters had 23 points with a 7-of-11 showing on 3-pointers for the Bulldogs (13-6, 4-3 SEC). Mario Kegler added 16 points.

“We needed this win desperately tonight since we’re about to go on the road for two straight,” said Mississippi State head coach Ben Howland. “I thought our second-half defense keyed the comeback. We really dug deep and it really fed our offense. Q (Weatherspoon) did a good job in the first half and really kept us in it.

“Then bottom line, Lamar had a good second half and really got it going there. We’ve already seen that before and seen how he can get it going.”

Weatherspoon was 11 of 17 from the field and also had eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. He scored 18 of his 29 points in the first half.

“I just wanted to come out and be aggressive,” said Weatherspoon. “We know we lost our last two games so I wanted to do what I could to help us tonight. Me and Coach Howland had a meeting about that and he needed me to be more aggressive. So I felt like the old me tonight, just filling up the whole stat sheet.”

Jordan Barnett and Jordan Geist each had 18 points to lead Missouri (5-14, 0-7). The Tigers dropped their 11th straight game.

Mississippi State opened the second half on a 10-3 run to take the lead for good at 49-46. Then Peters went on a hot streak and made five straight 3-pointers to push the Bulldogs’ advantage to 72-59 with less than nine minutes remaining.

Peters’ streak resulted in 15 points in 2:34.

“Obviously it was a tale of two halves,” said Missouri head coach Kim Anderson. “In the first half we did a good job of mixing our defenses and keeping them off-balanced. Then Weatherspoon and Peters took over and we had no answer. We knew coming in that Peters was dangerous off the ball screens. And we knew Weatherspoon was dangerous from anywhere.”

Missouri used a red-hot shooting performance in the first half to lead the entire period. Mississippi State got within one point on several occasions and trailed by as many as nine. Missouri eventually settled in with a 43-39 advantage at the half.

The Tigers shot 61.5 percent in the first half, including 58.3 percent from the 3-point arc.

For the game, Mississippi State shot 57.1 percent and made 12 of 23 beyond the arc. That included an 8 of 12 showing on 3-pointers in the second half.

The Tigers shot 46.3 percent for the game and just 32.1 percent in the second half. Missouri also missed all nine 3-pointer attempts in the second half.

BIG PICTURE

Missouri: The Tigers have now lost 11 straight games and are off to their worst start in SEC action since going 0-9 in the 2013-14 season. The Tigers have lost 27 straight SEC road games.

Mississippi State: After two straight conference losses, the Bulldogs moved above .500 in the SEC again at 4-3.

UP NEXT

Missouri: The Tigers return home to host No. 23 South Carolina on Saturday.

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs travel to Alabama on Saturday.

— Associated Press —