by Jonah Fabian
Emporia, Kan. – The Missouri Southern Women’s Basketball team competed in game two of the MIAA/GAC Crossover against the Reddies of Henderson State University after winning day one against Harding, 76-72. The Lions outscored the Reddies in the second half, 44-29, to remain perfect on the regular season and win over Henderson State, 85-68. The Lions advance to 2-0 (0-0 MIAA) on the season.
The Lions jumped out to an early 15-10 lead in the first five and a half minutes of play from a quick seven points from Kryslyn Jones. The Reddies took control of the remaining four minutes, ending the quarter with a 10-4 run and taking a 20-19 lead over the Lions at the end of the first. Guard Kryslyn Jones led the Lions in scoring in the first quarter with seven points (3-4 FG) and two rebounds, followed by forward Brandi Hudson who scored six (1-2 FG).
The Reddies took an early four point, 27-23, lead three minutes in before the Lions sparked a 14-4 run in two and half minutes led by Kryslyn Jones making three straight three-pointers. The Lions kept the pressure on the Reddies and went into the half with a 41-39 lead. Kryslyn Jones ended the half with 16 points (6-11 FG, 4-6 3P), Brandi Hudson added 10 points (3-4 FG) and four rebounds, and Ryan Franklin posted eight points (3-8 FG) and grabbed eight rebounds for the Lions.
The Lions took control quickly in the second half, starting the first two minutes on a 9-2 run off two quick steals from Mia Topping leading to four of the nine points. Mia Topping took control for the Lions in the third quarter, scoring 12 points to go with her two steals to give the Lions a 66-57 lead at the end of the third quarter.
The Lions did not let up fourth, outscoring the Reddies 19-11 in a team effort to win the game over the Reddies, 85-68.
Five Lions finished with double digit points in the win over the Reddies. Kryslyn Jones led the Lions in scoring with 20 points (7-18 FG) and five rebounds. Brandi Hudson finished the game with 17 points (4-6 FG, 9-10 FT) and four rebounds. Ryan Franklin got second double-double in a row with 15 points (6-12 FG) and 13 rebounds. Mia Topping was everywhere for the Lions, getting 15 points (5-11 FG), five assists and five steals. Maggie Sockey finished the game with 10 points (3-3 FG, 4-4 FT) and three rebounds.
