JOPLIN, Mo.---A scorching start turned into an ice-cold finish Saturday in Joplin, as the Missouri Western women were on the wrong end of a season sweep by Missouri Southern.

It was the Griffons fifth straight loss to the  Lions.

Jessica Koch scored 15 of her game-high 25 points in the first half,  while Ashleigh Curry scored 12 of her 16 points in the first half.  

Alicia Bell added 14 for the Griffons.

Western opened the game on fire, shooting 67% from the floor in the first eight minutes and building a 10 point lead three tmes in the first half.

The Lions would answer with a 17-4 run of their own to get back in the ball game.  The two teams traded baskets, with Western taking a 42-40 lead to halftime.

The Griffons, who shot 50% from the floor in the first half, shot just 30% in the 2nd half, allowing Southern to pull away.

Southern had three players in double figures, led by Larrita Gibson's 20.

The Griffons fall to 6-14 overall, and 4-11 in MIAA play.  They remain winless on the road in conference play this season.  Southern improves to 7-14 and 3-12 in the conference, with two of their MIAA wins coming against Western this season.

The Griffons travel south again Monday night to Russellville, Arkansas  for a non-conference game against #13 Arkansas Tech.  Tip-time scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Note:  Jessica Koch is now 107 points away from becoming Missouri Western's all-time leading scorer.