TOPEKA, Ks. - The Missouri Western women's basketball team played arguably its most complete game of the year in an 80-47 road win at Washburn on Tuesday.  

The 22nd-ranked Griffons (17-3, 11-3 MIAA) came out fast and never slowed down, stifling the Ichabods (9-7, 7-6 MIAA) in a wire-to-wire victory.

"I thought it was a big time win,"  Head Coach Candi Whitaker said. "We really set the tone in all aspects of the game and really controlled the game from start to finish. Our tempo was fantastic and I think we wore them down with our execution."

The Griffons shot 49.2% from the field and 46% (6-13) from three-point land, while holding the Ichabods to 33% shooting and forcing 18 turnovers.  

"We just did a great job defensively as a unit and on individuals," Whitaker said.  "We didnt make a lot of mistakes."

Brionna Budgetts scored 13 of her game-high 19 points (6-9 FG, 3-4 3PT)  in the first quarter, to help Western take early control.  Connie Clarke added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Jaelyn Haggard chipped in 11 points off the bench.  

The Griffons return home on Saturday, February 5th, for a huge rivalry showdown with Northwest Missouri.  The Bearcats bested the Griffons in their last meeting in Maryville back on December 18th.