Setting the Scene:
Western is 6-15 overall and 4-11 in MIAA play. The Griffons will look for their first MIAA road victory on Saturday, February 11 when they travel to Maryville, Mo. to take on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats (4-19, 2-13 MIAA). Western has lost seven of their last eight games which and their last nine road games. Western is 0-7 on the road in MIAA games. The Bearcats have lost their last seven games three of which were at home. Their last home victory came on January 14 when they defeated the Southwest Baptist Bearcats by a score of 79-68.
Koch Climbing the Record Books:
Jessica Koch is climbing the record books as she currently sits in second in MWSU history in scoring 1,675 points which is 75 points from tying the record set by Lisa Hughes with 1,750. Koch is 6th all-time in three pointers made with 141. She is also 2nd all-time in free throws attempted with 491 and is 1st all-time in free throws made with 370. Koch has scored in double figures in 31 straight games dating back to last season while scoring 20 or more points in 18 of those games. She has scored in double figures in 48 of her last 49 games. She has also recorded three double-doubles this season which includes the against Northwest when she had 12 points and 12 rebounds. She has recorded 14 double-doubles in her career.
Griffons against NWMSU in the Plett Era:
The Griffons are 4-5 against the Bearcats in the Plett era. The last victory for the Griffons came on January 4, 2012 with a 62-51 victory in the fieldhouse.
Brittany Griswold scored 17 points while Koch collected 12 rebounds and scored 12 points. Western's only victory in Maryville came in Plett's first season when the Griffons won 69-66 on February 27, 2008. Tierra Ford led the charge with 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting while Jill Johnson and Yanique Javois pitched in 18 and 16 respectively. Lauren Williams scored 18 for the Bearcats while Meghan Brue and Mandi Schumacher scored 16 and 10 respectively.
Coaches vs. Each Program:
Head coach Lynn Plett is just 4-5 all time against the Bearcats. Plett is 3-2 in St. Joseph and 1-3 in Maryville. Gene Stinemeyer is 10-17 all time against MWSU.
Series vs. the Bearcats:
The Bearcats and the Griffons have met 58 times on the hardwood in the history of the two schools. The Griffons hold a 32-26 advantage, but had to vacate four victories in the series so they lead 28-26. Western is 18-9 in the fieldhouse but had to vacate two victories so hold a 16-9 lead. The Bearcats hold a 15-13 lead in Maryville but Western had to vacate game so they hold a 15-12 lead. On a neutral floor Western is 1-0 but had to vacate that victory.
