ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Missouri Western women held Pittsburg State's MIAA-leading 3-point attack in check on the way to an 81-55 win on New Year's night in the MWSU Fieldhouse.  

The Griffons (11-1, 5-1 MIAA)  recorded 15 steals, forced 22 turnovers and limited the Gorillas (9-4, 4-3 MIAA)  to just 2-13 shooting from behind the arc. 

Connie Clarke led the way for Western with 20 pts (9-15 FG) and 8 rebounds.  Brionna Budgetts added 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals, while freshman point guard Alyssa Bonilla paced the well-rounded attack with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 7 steals.

Coming off a school-record 120 point performance in a win over NAIA Saint Mary on Wednesday, Western took control of the Gorillas midway through the 2nd quarter, closing the half on an 18-5 run to take a 40-25 lead to halftime.  The Griffons kept a consistent pace in the second half to close out a 26-point victory.  

MWSU returns to MIAA action on Monday, January 3rd when they host Missouri Southern at 5:30 pm.