MISSOURI WESTERN (11-9, 6-8) vs. MISSOURI SOUTHERN (15-6, 9-5)
Saturday, Feb. 14 - 1:00 p.m. - Joplin, Mo. (Leggett and Platt Athletic Center)
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Griffons will head to Missouri Southern for a crucial game in MIAA competition. The Griffons are ranked eighth in the MIAA while the Lions currently sit fourth in the conference.
THE GRIFFONSThe Griffons are coming off their third straight win after beating Lindenwood on Saturday by a convincing score of 80-50. MWSU has surged up the MIAA rankings and now ranks eighth, putting themselves in position to host a first round MIAA tournament game.
Missouri Western is currently fourth in the MIAA in scoring, averaging just over 72 points per game, while improving their scoring defense to 63.9 points per game. The Griffons rank in the top-three in field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage, shooting 45 percent and 36 percent respectively. Missouri Western is averaging six made three-pointers per game.
The Griffons
LaQuinta Jefferson is now averaging 20.2 points per game, tying for first in that category. She also continues to shoot 51 percent and has made 30 three-pointers on the season.
Chelsea Dewey ranks second in the conference in assists per game, averaging four per game. Dewey also leads the team in minutes per game and steals per game.
Sarafina Handy and
Miliakere Koyamainavure each put up 13.5 and 8.6 points respectively. Handy leads the conference in made three-pointers and Koyamainavure is the Griffons leading rebounder.
MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE LIONSMissouri Southern beat Northwest Missouri on Wednesday night in an overtime thriller, winning 73-71. The Lions currently sit fourth in the MIAA and have already clinched a spot in the MIAA tournament.
As a team, the Lions have a scoring margin of +11 points per game, holding opponents to 57.3 points per game. Missouri Southern also averages six made three-pointers per game and shoot 35 percent from the arc. MSSU is also ranked first in the MIAA in rebounding defense, allowing 31.1 rebounds to opponents. They hold a +5.6 rebounds margin over their opposition.
Sharese Jones is the Lions leading scorer at 14.8 points per game, ranking her ninth in the MIAA. She also averages 7.6 rebounds and sits in the top-five in that category. The Lions Nicole Hartzog is the only other player averaging double-figures at 13.2 points per game. Missouri Southern have seven other players averaging over five points. Alexis Fitzpatrick has accumulated 65 assists this season.
LAST MEETINGMWSU 61 MSSU 56 - Jan.24th, 2015 at St. Joseph, Mo.
