Sports – Page 524 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Missouri State’s rallies comes up short against Southeast Missouri State

Posted on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015

SPRINGFIELD – After trailing by as many as a dozen in the second half, Missouri State rallied within one point of visiting Southeast Missouri State here Tuesday, but could not overtake the Redhawks who posted five players in double figures in the scoring column in a 78-74 decision.

Antonius Cleveland finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Redhawks (1-10), who snapped an 11-game losing streak with accurate shooting and pressure zone defense. Isiah Jones knocked down 5 3-pointers to finish with 17 points, and Joel Angus tallied 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side.

The Bears (4-8) were led by Dequon Miller’s 17 points, while freshman Jarred Dixon registered 15 off the bench, and Dorrian Williams added 10 points and a season-high 8 assists. MSU’s reserves outscored the visitors’ bench by a 30-9 margin.

MSU led briefly in the first two minutes of the game, but played from behind the rest of the night, tying the game twice before halftime. The Redhawks, however, counter-punched well, and had an answer for every Bears’ rally.

After a pair of free throws from Ryan Kreklow got Missouri State within 58-56 with 7:49 remaining, SEMO reeled off five unanswered points to push back ahead by seven – first on a putback by Cleveland and later on a trey by Jones.

With just over three minutes to go, Loomis Gerring snagged a steal for MSU and scored while being fouled to get the Bears within 68-66. He missed the ensuing foul shot, and Southeast responded with a mini 3-0 push to lead by five at the 3:01 mark.

Finally, with 1:14 to go, the Bears got arguably their most-impactful shot of the night on a bonus ball by Kreklow from the right corner. The 3-pointer hit the rim, then the top of the backboard and fell through to make it 74-73. MSU immediately fouled Jamaal Calvin who made 1-of-2 shots. But the Bears could not get to the rim to tie the game in their following possessions, instead going 1-for-3 at the foul line in the decisive final minute to fall to 3-3 at home on the season.

For its part, Southeast Missouri, just a 55-percent free throw shooting team through its first 10 games, made just enough free throws down the stretch to keep the Bears at bay. MSU was whistled for 8 fouls in the final three minutes with the Redhawks converting 6-of-14 from the stripe to win by a four-point margin.

Missouri State finished 26-for-63 (.413) from the field and set a season high with 28 3-point attempts, making just 6 (.214). The Bears converted 16-of-23 (.696) from the stripe, but went just 3-for-7 at the line in the final three minutes, 33 seconds.

The Bears out-rebounded the Redhawks by a 45-35 margin, but committed 16 turnovers against an aggressive zone defense.

SEMO scored 42 points in the paint, compared to 28 by MSU, and finished 29-for-60 (.483) from the field, 6-of-16 (.375) from long range and 14-for-29 (.483) at the line with 11 turnovers and an impressive 11 steals.

In the first half, the Bears led 6-5, but fought from behind the rest of the way, tying it twice. First, a transition layup by Miller with 6:19 to go, knotted the game at 25 apiece, and later a layup by Chris Kendrix with 5:30 remaining in the opening stanza made it 27-27. Southeast ended the half on a 13-6 run from there as the Redhawks matched their largest lead of the first half with a put-back before the horn by Tony Anderson to make it 40-33.

The Bears will break for the holidays before beginning Missouri Valley Conference play on Dec. 30 at Illinois State (7 p.m.).

— MSU Athletics —

KU women lose at home to Oral Roberts

Posted on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Freshman guard Kylee Kopatich posted her first career double-double, but it was not enough as the Jayhawks could not hold off Oral Roberts, falling 70-63 on Tuesday night, inside Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas asserted control in the paint all game, recording 48 points inside to Oral Roberts’ 24, but it was not enough to overcome one of the best three-point shooting performances from a visiting team since 2013. The Golden Eagles sank 10 long-range baskets, including two in the fourth quarter that both proved to be momentum-changers for the Golden Eagles.

The Jayhawks (5-6) were led Kopatich, who ended the night with 14 points and 11 boards. The Olathe, Kansas native shot 5-of-12 from the field, 3-of-3 from the free throw line, while logging two assists and two steals.

Junior forward Caelynn Manning-Allen posted a double-digit performance for Kansas with 12 points, along with six rebounds and three blocks. Freshman guard Jayde Christopher made her second-career start and impacted the game with eight points and a team-leading four assists.

Oral Roberts (3-7) saw a season-high performance from sophomore guard Kaylan Mayberry, who put up 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including five of ORU’s 10 three-pointers. Sophomore guards Jordan Doyle and Bria Pitts each tallied 14 points and accounted for Oral Roberts’ five other triples. Both Golden Eagles shot 5-of-13 from the field, with Doyle also contributing three assists and Pitts pulling down seven rebounds. ORU’s 10 three-point baskets were the most since TCU hit the same mark on March 5, 2013.

After Kopatich got things going for the Jayhawks with a three-point play on their opening possession, Kansas went on a 10-2 by draining four of its first five shots. Christopher made the most of her second-career start early, finding the bottom of the net on her first three field goal attempts and assisting on a fourth basket, helping the Jayhawks claim a 14-7 lead at the 4:57 mark of the opening quarter.
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Freshman G Kylee Kopatich recorded her first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds

Oral Roberts put together a quick 6-0 run with three minutes remaining in the first period on two-consecutive three-pointers. Junior forward Jada Brown responded with two made layups before the end of the quarter to give Kansas a 22-18 lead after the first 10 minutes of action.

The Golden Eagles began the second quarter on 4-of-6 shooting, with the fourth field goal capping off a 9-4 run that saw Oral Roberts take its first lead of the night, 27-26. Kansas found itself in a back-and-forth battle, as the lead changed on four-consecutive plays in less than one minute of game time.

Kansas managed to re-establish a lead by halftime, going on an 11-0 run over the last four minutes of the period by forcing turnovers and continuing to dominate in the paint. All 15 of the Jayhawks’ two-point field goals were scored from inside the paint, accounting for 30 of Kansas’ 41 first half points. The home team also recorded a perfect 5-of-5 free throw shooting performance in the opening half, and added in two three-point baskets, the second coming just 14 seconds before halftime from redshirt junior guard Timeka O’Neal to give Kansas an eight-point lead at the break.

Oral Roberts emerged from the locker room and proceeded to sink four of its first five shots, including two long-range buckets, to quickly take a two-point lead from the 10-0 run. Kansas regained its lead on a 6-0 run of its own while the Golden Eagles missed the mark on their next six attempts.

After holding the visitors scoreless for nearly four minutes of game time, Pitts connected on her fourth triple of the night, sparking another 6-0 run to shift the momentum back to Oral Roberts. The Jayhawks put together one more six-point scoring streak before the end of the third period to carry a 55-52 lead into the final 10 minutes of action.

The third quarter saw four more lead changes between the two teams, as Kansas continued to battle inside while the Golden Eagles tallied 12 of their 19 points from beyond the arc. The Jayhawks’ 40 points in the paint after three quarters already approached the team’s season-high of 46 against Memphis on Nov. 19.

Sophomore guard Chayla Cheadle got the scoring going in the fourth quarter, with a layup to put every Jayhawk that entered the game into the scoring column. The Golden Eagles then put together a 12-0 run in just over three minutes, shooting 5-of-6 from the field, including the team’s ninth three-pointer of the night. The streak put Oral Roberts ahead by seven points with less than five minutes left in the contest.

The Jayhawks would not reclaim the lead for the remainder of the game, as KU was held scoreless from the four-minute mark until the last minute of play. Layups from Christopher and Brown in the final 30 seconds were not enough to mount a comeback, and the Jayhawks fell by a score of 70-63.

— KU Athletics —

Northwest volleyball adds five to 2016-2017 roster

Posted on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University head volleyball coach Amy Woerth has announced the additions of five incoming student-athletes to the Bearcats 2016 roster. The latest recruiting class includes Sydney Burton (South Lyon, Mich.), Briley Fisher (Nashua, Iowa), Taylor Linenberger (Garden City, Kan.), Katelyn McKinnis (Harrisonville, Mo.) and Jordyn Musselman (Topeka, Kan.).

“We are very excited about our 2016 class,” said Woerth. “Each player brings a high skill set, superb academics, and high character. As we continue to build a championship culture, I see each of these players fit into our system very well.”

Burton led Father Gabriel Richard High School to the 2015 Michigan Class B State title and a perfect 42-0 record. The Mayssa Bazzi coach team did not drop a set in the last eight matches of the season, en route to earning a No. 3 national rank by the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Volleyball poll. A member of the National Honor Society, Burton was a first team All-Catholic High School League, all region and second team all-state performer. She also was named All-State Academic and was given the FGR Coaches Leadership Award. Burton tallied 247 kills and 124 blocks as a senior. She also led her club team to a ninth place finish at AAU Nationals – open division in 2013.

“Sydney is a hard worker who wants to get the job done,” Worth said. “She is a selfless teammate and will bring in great leadership experience. Her abilities will allow her to play middle hitter and also right side during her career. We look forward to watching her determination and hard work pay off during her four years.”

Fisher won three Cornbowl league titles and was a three-time first team all conference performer at Nashua-Plainfield Senior High School. A four time honor roll student, Fisher tallied 1,097 kills, 480 digs, 216 blocks and 145 service aces for her career. A four sport athlete, Fisher earned all conference honors in basketball, garnered honorable mention all-conference accolades in softball and has qualified for the state track and field championships three times in five events.

“Briley is a gifted and natural athlete who has the ability to play in the middle or pin positions,” said Woerth. “She is a hard worker who brings a lot of energy and competitiveness to the court. Briley’s best volleyball is still ahead of her as we are excited to see her grow over her four years.”

Linenberger joins the Bearcats after a two-year career at Garden City Community College. The 5-11 outside hitter was a second team All-KJCCC performer during her freshman and sophomore seasons. As a freshman, she was voted the GCCC Female Athlete of the Year and the team’s Freshman Player of the Year. As a senior, she had 11 double-doubles, registering 396 kills and 333 total digs. While at GCCC, she was named to the President’s honor roll and the KJCCC Academic All-Conference team. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and was given the Academic Excellence Award. A standout at Garden City High School, Linenberger led her team to a pair of WAC titles and a 6A Sub-State runner-up finish. She also lettered in track and basketball, earning medalist honors in the triple jump and 4×400 relay.

“Taylor brings in two years’ experience where she was her team’s leader and go-to,” Woerth commented. “Her understanding of those roles will allow her to mix in nicely with our team. Taylor is a great athlete with a high ceiling and she’s ready to work hard to take her game to the next level. Her athletic abilities give her the potential to play primarily on the pins and we look forward to watching her develop and blossom these next two years.”

A two time team captain at Harrisonville High School, Katelyn McKinnis joins the Bearcats after playing for coach Megan Bathgate. McKinnis earned first team All-Missouri River Valley West honors as a junior and earned second team honors during her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons. She is also a three-time second team all-district performer. In the classroom, McKinnis is a member of the National Honor Society and Principal’s honor roll. She has been given the Academic Excellence Award and was named Academic All-Conference and Academic All-State for volleyball.

“Katelyn is an all-around skilled athlete with a great volleyball IQ,” said Woerth. “She brings great athleticism to the court and will help us with her ball control and defense. Like her other classmates, Katelyn is determined to win which will make her successful at the next level.”

Musselman has led Washburn Rural High School to a pair of Kansas 6A State Tournament appearances, playing for coach Kevin Bordewick. She has earned all-league and all-city honors three times in her career. As a junior she was a second team All-6A State Team selection and has been named to a pair of 6A State Tournament teams. The setter is a three time KVA All-Academic Team honoree and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

“Jordyn’s athleticism and energy were what impressed us the first time we watched her play,” Woerth said. “Although she’s a terrific setter who can run an efficient offense, she can also block and play defense at a high level. Having a solid all-around setter in this conference will be key to our success and I feel like Jordyn brings that to our squad. She has the ability and experience to make a big impact over her career.”

— Northwest Athletics —

Cardinals sign free-agent pitcher Mike Leake

Posted on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The St. Louis Cardinals announced Tuesday that they have signed free-agent pitcher Mike Leake to a five-year deal for the 2016-20 seasons with a mutual option for 2021. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to announce the addition of Mike Leake to our starting rotation,” stated Cardinals Senior Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “Mike is considered to be one of the game’s most consistent performers and he is certainly no stranger to the National League and the N.L. Central. His proven experience and all-around ability should be a real plus for us.”

Leake, 28, will join a Cardinals starting rotation that already consists of All-Stars Adam Wainwright, Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez and veteran lefty Jaime Garcia.

Leake owns a career mark of 64-52 with a 3.88 ERA in six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds (2010-15) and San Francisco Giants (2015), ranking 5th in the National League in both innings pitched (1,083.2) and games started (172) during that time span. Leake went 11-10 with a 3.70 ERA in 30 starts (192.0 IP) between the Reds and Giants in 2015, and because he was traded during the season, the Cardinals will not have to forfeit a compensatory draft selection next season.

While pitching at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park (4.28 ERA in 90 games) throughout most of his career, Leake has fashioned a 3.48 career ERA on the road, including a 3.19 mark in six career games (42.1 IP) at Busch Stadium III. His 3.48 road ERA since 2010 is ranked 5th among all N.L. pitchers (min. 500 IP).

The 5-10, 190-pound native of Southern California was the Reds 1st round draft selection (8th player overall) in 2009 out of Arizona State University and after pitching in the prospect-rich Arizona Fall League that year, he vaulted directly to the majors, where he debuted in April of 2010.

Leake, who has won 10 or more games four times in six seasons, including a career-high 14 in 2013, has made 30-plus starts in each of the past four (2012-15) seasons. He ranked 2nd among N.L. pitchers in fewest pitches/inning (14.3) last season and was 8th in double plays/9 IP (1.03) and 11th in ground ball pct. (52.1).

Leake is considered to be an accomplished player with the bat as well, ranking 1st in hits (77), 1st in doubles (16), 3rd in slugging pct. (.321), 4th in HR’s (6) and 4th in RBI (23) among all pitchers since 2010.

With today’s signing of Leake, the Cardinals’ 40-man Major League roster currently stands at 38 players.

— Cardinals Press Release —

Western breaks ground on largest video scoreboard in Div. II

Posted on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015

Video board groundbreaking. Photo courtesy MWSU

St. Joseph, Mo. — A groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday formally marked the beginning of construction for the next phase in the renovation of Missouri Western State University’s Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium – a $2.6 million video scoreboard that will rise seven stories above the playing surface. The LED video display, at approximately 2,500 square feet, will be the largest in NCAA Division II.

Steve Craig, founder and CEO of Craig Realty Group and benefactor of the Craig School of Business, will contribute $1.1 million toward the project, the largest individual gift in the history of Missouri Western athletics. With this gift, Craig has now donated $8.9 million to the university. In recognition of his support, the playing surface at Spratt Stadium was named Craig Field earlier this year.

“We are in the last few days of our university’s centennial celebration, with the theme of ‘100 Years of Transforming Lives,’” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “I can’t think of a better way of concluding our centennial year than thanking an individual, Steve Craig, who has been such an important part of that transformational process.”

Craig said he wanted to provide Griffon coaches with a “dynamic asset” to help recruit student-athletes, enhance the overall fan experience for football and soccer games and strengthen the relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also wanted to nurture some much-needed community pride.

“Not only can northwest Missouri residents be proud of these fantastic new facilities, but the players who compete here will also be very happy,” Craig said. When plans for the scoreboard were announced in August, he said, “I spoke about some of those great civic projects of the past, and I’m hopeful that this new scoreboard along with these other improvements will be looked upon as some of the best as well.”

Student athletes spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony about their excitement.

“We’ve always been proud to play for Missouri Western, but now we’re so excited to play at home and see other teams come out and see our facilities,” said Taylor Gant, women’s soccer. “These enhancements will improve the experience for both the players and the audience.”

“These additions make Missouri Western’s facilities one of the tops in the nation by far,” said Michael Hill, former Griffon running back and NFL player. “I was really stoked to see all this construction going on, and I’m excited to see the scoreboard go up. The environment on game day will be superb.”

The video board will stand at the south end of the stadium, near the Baker Family Fitness Center. At a little more than 65 feet wide and 38 feet tall, or approximately 2,500 square feet, the video display will be the largest in NCAA Division II. It will be larger by area than many Division I schools, including the University of Missouri and the University of Kansas.

The brick structure built to house the scoreboard will be approximately 72 feet tall, with storage rooms inside, static signs and displays, and a rooftop fireworks launchpad. Construction is expected to be completed in time for the Spring Commencement Ceremony in May 2016.

In addition to Craig, other private donors have pledged through the Missouri Western State University Foundation’s Centennial Capital Campaign to complete the scoreboard. Major donors include Al and Gracie Landes, Randy and Mary Herzog, Sunshine Electronic Display, O’Malley Beverage and Nodaway Valley Bank. Other donors have provided leadership support for the Spratt Memorial Stadium renovation project.

E.L. Crawford Construction is the general contractor for the scoreboard project and the Spratt Stadium renovation, which includes corporate suites, additional chair-back seating for fans, elevator and other accessibility improvements, additional restrooms, expanded concessions area, new ticket office, a team store to sell Griffon merchandise, new press box and fencing.

No. 25 Tigers stay unbeaten with 82-56 win over Texas State

Posted on December 21, 2015

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Sophie Cunningham scored 21 points, Jordan Frericks added 19 points and No. 25 Missouri shut down Texas State in the fourth quarter to stay undefeated and pull out an 82-56 win on Monday.

Missouri (12-0), leading 55-48 entering the fourth quarter, limited Texas Sate to eight points over the final 10 minutes. The Bobcats missed their first five field goal attempts in the quarter and made just 3 of 14 from the floor in the frame as the Tigers ran away.

An eight-point Missouri spurt — including a 3-pointer by Cunningham — pushed the once-tight lead over 20 points with 3:37 to go.

Sophie Cunningham grabbed nine rebounds and Lindsey Cunningham had a career-high 14 assists for the Tigers.

Texas State (5-5) was led by Kaitlin Walla with 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Ericka May added 10 points.

— Associated Press —

MWSU’s Jefferson named MIAA Player of the Week again

Posted on December 21, 2015

ST. JOSEPH – For the third time in four weeks, and the second week in a row, Missouri Western guard LaQuinta Jefferson has been named the MIAA Women’s Basketball Athlete of the week.

The senior from Murfreesboro, Tennessee averaged 30 points a game this weekend to go along with 4.5 rebounds per game. Jefferson scored 31 at Lindenwood on Friday, including the final four points of the game that tied and gave Missouri Western the lead in the final minute. On Sunday at Lincoln, Jefferson added 29 points. She shot 65 percent from the field and 73 percent at the free throw line in the two wins.

On the season, Jefferson is averaging 23.8 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per contest. She leads all MIAA scorers by more than three points per game.

Missouri Western is ranked 16th in the USA Today WBCA Top 25 poll as they are 11-0 on the season and 6-0 in the MIAA. They’re back in action a week from Thursday when they host Saint Mary at 7:00 p.m. in their final non-conference game.

— MWSU Athletics —

Missouri adds Chris Wilson as defensive line coach

Posted on December 21, 2015

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Head Football Coach Barry Odom has added Chris Wilson to his new coaching staff, as announced today. Wilson will serve as Mizzou’s defensive line coach, a position he has enjoyed great success at coaching almost exclusively during his 23-year career. Wilson has coached the position 19 of his 23 years, and has mentored some of the nation’s top linemen at programs such as Colorado, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Georgia and USC in his career.

Wilson comes to Mizzou after coaching the past two seasons at USC, where he guided star defensive end Leonard Williams to first-team All-American status in 2014. Williams went on to become the sixth overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. Overall, Wilson has coached in 13 bowl games since 2001, including the 2009 BCS National Championship, while his teams have won three conference titles during that span. Details of Wilson’s contract will be released once fully executed, along with the completion of human resources procedures.

“Chris Wilson is a great fit for our staff,” said Odom. “I’ve known of him and thought highly of him for a number of years. I’ve recruited against him, I’ve watched him at Oklahoma, Colorado, Mississippi State and Georgia and I’ve enjoyed the way he gets his guys to play with great energy and passion. He’s very passionate about coaching the defensive line and he’s got a great feel for fundamentals and understanding what it takes to mentor a group and lead them and have them playing at their best level. He’s really respected nationally as a recruiter and he’s done a great job of developing relationships in a lot of different places where we recruit in SEC territory,” he said.

“I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to be at such a great institution and program as Mizzou and also to be back in the SEC,” said Wilson. “I’ve seen Mizzou in person a lot, both as a coach and a player, and I’ve always enjoyed the energy of their fan base. You can tell the football program is important to the state and their culture. What they’ve been able to accomplish as a program in their short time in the league, being in two championship games, is really impressive. I’m excited about working with Coach Odom and his staff, I see him as progressive and as an outside the box guy who is going to do big things. I understand the tradition of excellence that Mizzou has had with the defensive line, and I’m honored to come in and work hard to help give them a chance to be even better in the future,” he said.

Wilson, 46, spent 2013 as Georgia’s defensive line coach. The Bulldogs, who played in the 2014 Gator Bowl, were 28th nationally in sacks in 2013.

He spent the previous three seasons (2010-12) at Mississippi State handling the defensive line. He also was the Bulldogs’ co-defensive coordinator in 2010 before becoming defensive coordinator the final two years. In 2010, MSU was 15th nationally in rushing defense and 17th in tackles for a loss. The Bulldogs improved in seven defensive statistical categories in 2011, including ranking 16th nationally in scoring defense (19.7), tied for eighth in fumble recoveries and tied for 14th in interceptions. Defensive lineman Fletcher Cox was a 2011 All-American and an NFL first round draft pick. MSU played in the 2011 and 2013 Gator Bowls and 2011 Music City Bowl.

Wilson came to Mississippi State after five seasons (2005-09) coaching the defensive ends at Oklahoma, his alma mater. He also was the special teams coordinator the final three years there. The Sooners led the Big 12 in sacks in 2007 and then in 2009 they were eighth nationally in rushing defense and total defense and seventh in scoring defense. Oklahoma played in the 2005 Holiday Bowl, 2007 and 2008 Fiesta Bowls, 2009 BCS Championship Game and 2009 Sun Bowl.

Before that, he was Colorado’s defensive line coach for five years (2000-04). The Buffaloes won three Big 12 North titles during that time and were 15th nationally in sacks in 2004. Colorado played in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl, 2002 Alamo Bowl and 2004 Houston Bowl.

He was the defensive line coach at Illinois State for two seasons (1998-99), with the Redbirds winning the Gateway Conference title and advancing to the NCAA Division I-AA semifinals in 1999. He then handled the same duty in the spring of 2000 at Army before going to Colorado.

Wilson began his coaching career in 1993 as a graduate assistant at Indiana State, then became the Sycamores’ linebackers coach in 1994. He handled the outside linebackers at Northern Illinois in 1995, then was the defensive line coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College in 1996 before returning to Indiana State in 1997 as the outside linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator.

He had NFL minority internships with the Dallas Cowboys (1995), Arizona Cardinals (1997) and Miami Dolphins (1998).

A Richardson, Texas native, Wilson was a four-year (1988-91) letterman linebacker at Oklahoma, recording 303 career tackles. He twice was named team captain, and was a member of Sooner squads that played in the 1989 Citrus Bowl and 1991 Gator Bowl. He was a 12th round NFL Draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 1992.

— Mizzou Athletics —

K-State women dominate Western Illinois, extend win streak to seven

Posted on December 21, 2015December 21, 2015

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State ended its non-conference schedule on Monday night in fine fashion, as the Wildcats defeated Western Illinois, 84-45, extending K-State’s win streak to seven games.

Junior center Breanna Lewis became the program’s 22nd player to score 30 or more points in a game, as she tallied a career-high 30 points on a career-high 14-of-19 shooting.

Joining Lewis in double figures were senior guard Bri Craig with 11 points and junior guard Kindred Wesemann with 10 points.

Kansas State jumped out to an early 8-2 lead, as Lewis tallied four points during the run. Western Illinois would use a 7-2 burst late in the first quarter to pull within four, 15-11, with 1:37 to play.

A pair of Wesemann free throws and a layup from Lewis pushed K-State into a 19-13 lead at the end of the first.

K-State stepped on the accelerator for the entire second quarter, as the Wildcats outscored the Leathernecks, 31-4, in the frame to build a 50-17 lead at the half. The four points by Western Illinois in the second quarter were the fewest points K-State has allowed in any quarter this season. K-State shot 60.0 percent from the field in the second quarter, while holding the Leathernecks to 13.3 percent.

The Wildcats opened the second stanza with a 10-0 run to increase its lead to 29-13 with 6:33 to play.

After the teams exchanged four points, the Wildcats closed out the final 4:10 of the second quarter on a 17-0 run to build its 33-point halftime lead.

K-State fed Lewis early and often in the third quarter, as she racked up 12 points in the frame.

The Wildcats would score 21 points in the quarter to build a 71-27 advantage after three.

Western Illinois ended the night by outscoring K-State in the fourth quarter, 18-13.

K-State finished the night shooting 50.8 percent from the field (33-of-65). The K-State defense held the nation’s number one team in 3-point field goals made to five connections on 36 attempts.

The Wildcats dished out 23 assists on the night, marking the third straight game K-State has handed out 20 or more assists. Over the last 11 seasons, K-State is 46-0 when handing out 20 or more assists.

Kansas State begins Big 12 play on Wednesday, Dec. 30, against Iowa State. Game time is 7 p.m.

— KSU Athletics —

Mizzou women enter AP Top 25 poll for first time since 2006

Posted on December 21, 2015December 21, 2015

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball earned the No. 25 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll released on Monday afternoon. The Tigers received 79 votes from various media members throughout the country covering NCAA Women’s Basketball. The national ranking is the first for the Mizzou program since the Tigers were ranked No. 24 for the week of Jan. 9, 2006. Prior to that week, Mizzou hadn’t entered the AP Top 25 Poll since Jan. 6, 1985.

Mizzou is off to the first 11-0 start in program history. The Tigers rank second nationally in free throw shooting percentage (78.2), 11th in scoring margin (+24.6) and rebounding margin (+13.0), 23rd in field goal percentage (46.1), 24th in 3-pointers per game (8.3), 26th in scoring offense (79.1 points per game), 29th in scoring defense (54.5 points per game) and 35th in field goal percentage defense (34.8).

— Mizzou Athletics —