THIS WEEK IN GRIFFON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Thursday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. vs. Lindenwood (6-4)
Saturday, Dec. 8, 4:00 p.m. vs. Lincoln (4-2)
 

ST. JOSEPH – After playing its last five games on the road, Missouri Western (5-4) finally returns to St. Joseph for the first two games of the MIAA schedule. Thursday will be the team's first true home game in the MWSU Fieldhouse, as the team's first four games of the season were played at Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph.

 
WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Missouri Western's success starts with its defense. The Griffons are 5-1 in games that they hold their opponents to 40 percent shooting or less.
• The Griffons' top scorers are also extremely efficient. Lavon Hightower and Bryan Hudson are the team's leading scorers and they are two of just 10 players in the MIAA to shoot over 50 percent (minimum 60 field goal attempts).
• Coach Sundance Wicks has used a variety of starting lineups so far this season. After Beau Baker and Tyrell Carroll each earned starts in the team's last two games, 10 of the 13 players on the team have started at least one game.
• The Griffons will be looking for their first MIAA opener victory since 2013.
• A win on Thursday against Lindenwood would mark the first time since 2013 that Missouri Western had a winning record through its first 10 games.

 
SCOUTING THE GRIFFONS

• The Griffons are the only team in the MIAA that ranks in the top-three in both offensive three-point percentage (35) and defensive three-point percentage (29).
• Hightower leads the team in scoring at 19 points per game.
• Carroll and Tyus Millhollin each average three assists per game.
• The Griffons are holding opponents to an impressive 41 percent shooting through the first nine games.

 
LINDENWOOD

• The Lions had won four straight games before falling to No. 1 Bellarmine in their last game.
• Brad Newman leads the team with over 16 points per game.
• Lindenwood enters 2018-19 with four consecutive winning seasons under head coach Lance Randall.
• The Lions are scoring 80 points per game.

 
LINCOLN

• Lincoln is one of the top three-point shooting teams in the MIAA, making nearly 10 three's per game.
• Three different players average at least 14 points per game for the Blue Tigers.
• Terrance Smith leads the team with 18 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
• The Blue Tigers are shooting 45 percent from three this season.