KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Survive and advance was a fitting moniker Thursday night in Municipal Auditorium as the top seeded Missouri Western Women's basketball team grinded out a 64-53 victory over seventh seeded Nebraska-Kearney.
 
Missouri Western relied on stingy defense in the second half, holding Nebraska-Kearney to just six made field goals after halftime, to build a comfortable lead and avenge an earlier loss to the Lopers. Tied at 29 at the break, Missouri Western limited Nebraska-Kearney to just one made field goal in the final six minutes of the third quarter, taking a 48-40 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
The Griffons earned their first official quarterfinal win since 2005 with a hobbled LaQuinta Jefferson. Battling through a knee injury, Jefferson scored six points on four field goal attempts. Mhykeah Baez recorded her third double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Milakere Koyamainavure led Missouri Western with 15 points. Dwanisha Tate filled in for Jefferson with 10 points, four rebounds and four steals.
 
The win gave Missouri Western its first win in Kansas City, officially, since 2005. The Griffons advance to the semifinals to face the either Emporia State or Central Oklahoma. That game will be played Saturday at 2:15 p.m.