ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri Western State Women's Basketball out-rebounded MidAmerica Nazarene 54-32 on the way to an 81-44 exhibition victory at home on Wednesday at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons had three players score in double figures, led by Connie Clarke, who had 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Jayme Jackson tacked on 13 points, and Alyssa Bonilla chipped in as well with 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals.

The Missouri Western defense was a problem in Wednesday's game, forcing 26 turnovers while committing 20. Those takeaways turned into 21 points on the offensive end of the floor. Bonilla's four steals led the way individually for the Griffons.

After falling behind 13-12, Missouri Western went on an 8-0 run with 4:14 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Clarke, to take a 20-13 lead. The Griffons then lost some of that lead but still entered the first-period break with a 20-15 advantage. Missouri Western did most of its first-quarter damage in the paint, scoring 16 of its 20 points close to the basket.

Missouri Western kept its first-quarter lead intact before going on a 14-0 run starting at the 9:42 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from Tiani Ellison, to increase its lead to 34-15. The Pioneers cut into that lead, but the Griffons still enjoyed a 37-20 advantage heading into halftime. Missouri Western saw non-starters score nine of its 17 total points off the bench in the quarter.

Following intermission, Missouri Western continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 50-32 before going on an 11-0 run, punctuated by a three from Jackson, to expand its lead further to 61-32 with 1:38 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Pioneers had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Griffons still entered the fourth quarter with a 62-35 edge. Missouri Western knocked down four 3-pointers in the quarter to score 12 of its 25 total points.

Missouri Western kept widening that lead, expanding it to 64-36 before going on an 8-0 run, finished off by Mary Fultz's layup, to grow the lead to 72-36 with 6:44 to go in the contest. The Griffons kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 81-44 win. Missouri Western took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 19 points in the paint.

GAME NOTES

• Missouri Western found success from beyond the arc, knocking down eight treys in the game.
• The Griffons held the Pioneers to only 30.6 percent shooting from the field.
• The Griffons never trailed after taking a 20-15 first-quarter lead.
• Missouri Western recorded 21 total assists in the game.
• The Missouri Western defense forced 26 turnovers.
• Missouri Western cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 20 offensive boards in the game.
• Missouri Western got a game-high eight rebounds from Bonilla.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western plays its final exhibition on Nov. 1 at Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri.

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