ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Griffons are going for their third straight win in the fieldhouse as they welcome arch rival Northwest Missouri State. MWSU will hope to move up in the MIAA standings as they currently sit 11th in the MIAA standings.

THE GRIFFONS
The Griffons are coming off, possibly, their best win of the season at Lindenwood on Saturday night. MWSU won in convincing fashion by a score of 87-59. LaQuinta Jefferson scored 23 points on a perfect night from the floor going, 9-9. The game also featured four other Griffons scoring in double-figures.

Missouri Western continues to move up in the MIAA, with an average of 72.4 points per game. The Griffons post a scoring margin of +6.2 and rank first in the MIAA with a 45% field goal percentage. The Griffons also have relied on three-pointers this season, averaging just under six made shots per game. MWSU has continued to rebound at a high rate, averaging 37.8 rebounds per game and holding opponents to just 32.2 rebounds per game.
 
The Griffons had five players in double-figures on Saturday night and look for individual performances from Ariana Novak, Mhykeah Baez, and Miliakere Koyamainavure to continue in the final stretch of the season. LaQuinta Jefferson moved into the 10th spot in the NCAA in scoring average, putting up 21.1 points per games.  The Griffons Chelsea Dewey remains a vital part for success, leading the team in several key statistical categories.

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE BEARCATS
Northwest Missouri went 1-1 this past week, beating Lindenwood Wednesday by a score of 81-72 but falling to Lincoln University on Saturday, 66-56.

The Bearcats are averaging 58.4 points per game and allowing opponents 64.7 points per game. Northwest Missouri has averaged 3.8 blocks per game, which places them fifth in the conference. The Bearcats have a rebounding margin of +0.8 per game and average 36.3 per game. NWMSU has 10 players averaging over 10 minutes per game.

Senior Ariel Easton is fifth in the conference in scoring. She is averaging 16.1 points per game. Tember Schechinger is the only other Bearcat averaging double-figures with 10.1 points per game and leads the team in rebounding at 5.8. Taylor Shull has 54 assist on the season and accumulated 20 steals this season.

LAST YEAR'S MEETINGS
MWSU 50, NWMSU 44 at Maryville, Mo. on 02/05/2014
MWSU 68, NWMSU 47 at St. Joseph, Mo. on 02/22/2014

THINK PINK NIGHT ON WEDNESDAY
February is Women's Basketball Coaches Association Breast Cancer Awareness month.  To raise awareness, Griffon Women's Basketball will be wearing their pink camouflage uniforms in support of the cause.  We will also present a check for the proceeds from last October's "Pink Week" to the Mosaic Life Care Breast Cancer Center prior to the start of the men's game.
 
MILITARY APPRECIATION, YOUTH BASKETBALL & BOY SCOUT DAY ON SATURDAY
Join us for Military Appreciation Day presented by the Missouri Army National Guard this Saturday.  We'll have several patriotic tributes during the games to honor our troops.  All active military personnel along with veterans will be admitted free via our Stars & Stripes program.  We also welcome all youth basketball players 13 and under and Boy Scouts as they will be admitted free in uniform top. 

GOLD COAT WINTER SOCIAL SET FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Gold Coat Members, make plans to join us at Norty's Bar & Grill this Saturday, February 7 for our Gold Coat Club winter social.  The social will begin immediately following the basketball games vs. Lindenwood.  Enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages while socializing with other club members and Griffon staff.  We are asking for RSVP's, please do so by calling our office at 271-4481.