St. Joseph, Mo. - Griffons look for first conference win over Northeastern State and will tip-off at 5:30.

THE GRIFFONS
The Griffons are coming off a 12-day break before getting back on the floor against Northeastern State. MWSU fell in their conference opener against Fort Hays State 81-57.

Missouri Western is paced by LaQuinta Jefferson, averaging 18.6 points per game while hitting 50 percent of her shots. Sarafina Handy is scoring 13.1 points per game and has hit an average of 2.7 three-pointers a game. Forward Tiara Hall has averaged 7.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. The Griffons rely on Chelsey Dewey to spread the ball around as she continues to average 3.7 assists per game.

The Griffons continue to put up solid numbers, averaging 76.1 points per game, placing them fifth in the conference. They also sit fourth in the MIAA in field goal percentage, hitting at a 45 percent mark. Missouri Western also has rebounded at a high rate, grabbing an average of 41.3 rebounds per game. 

NORTHEASTERN STATE RIVERHAWKS
The RiverHawks come into the game on a four-game winning streak, including two conference wins over Lindenwood and Lincoln. NSU is coming off a 64-56 win in their last game against Rogers State. 

Chelsey Beathard and Fontana Tate each average double-figures for the RiverHawks. Beathard averages 12.2 points per game and Tate puts up 11.2 points per game. Each shoots over 46 percent from the floor. The RiverHawks have six players averaging over 3.4 rebounds per game.

Tthe RiverHawks have held their opponents 36 percent shooting throughout the year, ranking them sixth in the MIAA. Northeastern State is averaging 34.7 rebounds per game but have a -6.7 rebounding margin to the opposition. 

LAST YEAR'S MEETING
MWSU 42, NSU 57 at Tahlequah, Okla. on 12/19/2013
Quenisha Lockett had a career night, but unfortunately for Missouri Western, she was the only Griffon with a hot hand in a 57-42 loss at Northeastern State. Missouri Western committed 28 fouls, and the RiverHawks shot 24-33 from the free throw line. The Griffons struggled in that category, going just 7-21 from the line.


St. Joseph - News Press Giveaway
The St. Joseph - News Press will be giving away a free tablet at halftime of the men's basketball game. Check out their booth located in the main entrance of the MWSU fieldhouse.

Hy-Vee Cash Giveaway
Sign up at the student entrance for your chance to win $1000. The lucky contestant will have the opportunity to win between the men's and women's games.