by by Jonah Fabian
Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Women’s Basketball team hosted the Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, January 13, in a conference matchup. An all-around strong outing from the Lions gave them the edge to defeat the Lopers 72-56 and claim sole possession of first place in the MIAA. The Lions advance to 11-4 (7-2 MIAA) on the season.
The Lions took control early in the first, following a 6-5 Loper lead with a 13-0 run to take a 18-6 lead with 2:00 left in the quarter. The Lions ended the quarter with a 21-10 lead, making 50 percent of their shots from the field. Brandi Hudson and Kaitlin Hunnicutt led the Lions in scoring, both scoring four.
It was a back-and-forth matchup throughout the second quarter. The Lopers won the scoring and rebounding battle in the second, bringing their deficit down to 10, as the Lions continued to lead the Lopers 36-26 at the half. Kryslyn Jones and Brandi Hudson both finished the half with a team-high eight points.
Despite the Lopers outscoring the Lions 6-5 in the first 3:04 of the third, Ryan Franklin took control with six unanswered points to give the Lions a 47-32 lead with 5:03 left to play in the quarter. The Lopers then returned with a quick 11-0 run to decrease their deficit to five with 2:53 remaining in the third. The Lions finished the quarter with a 4-1 scoring advantage to go into the final 10 minutes with a 51-43 lead.
It was an intense final quarter in Leggett & Platt, but the Lions used the home court to their advantage going on a 12-0 run to take a 63-45 lead with 4:29 left in the game. The lead was enough to run the clock away as the Lions beat the Lopers for their eighth-straight victory, 72-65.
Two Lions finished in double-digits in the victory. Ryan Franklin finished with 14 points (6-9 FG, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and two blocks. Kryslyn Jones posted 14 points (5-9 FG, 4-5 3P), three assists and two rebounds.
The MSSU Women’s Basketball team will head back on the road to Topeka, Kansas to take on Washburn on Wednesday, January 17, in Lee Arena at 5:30 PM.
