by WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The Jennies received five double-digit scoring performances, including two double-doubles from seniors Justina Prairie Chief (Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes) and Revonnia Howard, propelling Central Missouri to a 72-55 win over visiting Southwest Baptist on Saturday afternoon.
With Missouri Southern defeating No. 7 Pittsburg State on Saturday, the Jennies (17-8, 11-6 MIAA) remain a half-game behind the Lady Lions for the fourth and final spot to qualify for a conference bye.
The Jennies never trailed in the game, getting out to quick start, scoring eight of the game’s first 10 points in the first two minutes.
UCM’s lead slipped to three points at the 14:15 mark after SBU went on a 9-6 scoring spurt. However, the Jennies responded with an 11-3 run, pushing their advantage back to double digits at 25-14 with 9:08 remaining in the first half. Howard scored four of her team-high 20 points during the scoring run.
The lead was built to as many as 16 points with just over six minutes remaining in the opening half of play. SBU pulled to within 40-29 at halftime.
The Jennies outscored Southwest Baptist, 20-8 in the paint and received 10 points from the bench in the opening 20 minutes. The offense shot 45.5% (15-of-33) from the floor including 50% (4-of-8) from long distance.
A pair of three-pointers to begin the second half for SBU sliced the Jennies lead to six at 43-37. Seniors Jasmine Thompson, Prairie Chief and Howard combined for the next six UCM points, sending the lead back to double-digits at 49-37 with 14:52 to play.
The Bearcats battled to close the gap to 52-45 at the 10:28 mark but the Jennies held them off for the remainder of the game, doubling up on SBU, 20-10.
The double-double for Howard was her 10th this season, finishing with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Prairie Chief collected her third double-double of 2014-15 with 11 points and 11 boards. The 11 rebounds were one shy of matching her career-high.
Howard blocked two shots, moving into sole possession for seventh place on Central Missouri’s all-time list with 84.
With the win over SBU, the Jennies extended their win streak over the Bearcats to four games and seven games at home. It was also the 400th win for Central Missouri since joining the MIAA.
The Jennies return to action next Wednesday, February 25 against Missouri Western at the Multipurpose Building. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
