by By Jonah Fabian
Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Women’s Basketball team completed a two-game homestand on Saturday, December 9, against the Jets of Newman University in MIAA play. A dominant second quarter set the path for a 97-56 blowout victory for the Lions. The Lions advance to 5-4 (2-2 MIAA) on the season.
Both teams had a tough time finding the bottom of the net early, both shooting under 35 percent from the field in the first quarter. Despite a rough shooting performance, the Lions were able to finish the first quarter with a 7-0 run to take a 17-9 lead. Kaitlin Hunnicutt led the Lions in scoring in the first quarter with seven points (1-4 FG, 4-4 FT), two rebounds and a steal.
The Lions came to life offensively in the second quarter, outscoring the Jets 16-7 in the first five minutes of the quarter. They continued to dominate, going on a 10-0 run to take a 39-16 lead with 3:07 remaining. The Lions ended the first half with a dominant 47-20 lead over the Jets. Krsylyn Jones led the Lions in scoring after two quarters with 16 points (5-9 FG, 4-4 FT) and five rebounds.
It was much more of a back-and-forth game in the third quarter as both teams were tied at a 10-10 in scoring with 3:44 remaining. The Lions than began to pick things up, going on a 7-0 run over the next 60 seconds. Despite a closer quarter in scoring, the Lions still came out of the quarter with a 70-40 lead.
Both teams played their benches in the fourth as the Lions had held a unreachable lead. At the end of regulation, the Lions won their second straight MIAA game at home, 97-56.
Four Lions finished in double-digits in the victory. Kryslyn Jones led the Lions in scoring with 22 points (8-13 FG, 4-4 FT) and grabbing a career-high nine rebounds.
