SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Griffon Women's Basketball held Saint Mary's to just 12.5% from 3-point range in a 3-for-24 shooting performance on the way to a 52-47 victory over the Rattlers at Bill Greehey Arena.

The No. 12-ranked Griffons (4-0) had two players score in double figures, led by Tiani Ellison, who had 11 points. Brionna Budgetts added 10 points and two steals and Connie Clarke added three points, a season-high 11 rebounds and three steals.

Led by LaJahda Boyland's three offensive rebounds, Missouri Western State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in 11 second chance points.

The Missouri Western defense caused its share of mistakes in Friday's game, forcing 17 Saint Mary's turnovers. Those takeaways turned into nine points on the other end of the floor. Clarke's three steals led the way individually for the Griffons.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After falling behind 9-3, Missouri Western went on a 6-0 run with 4:20 left in the first quarter to tie the game at nine. The Griffons then proceeded to grab a 16-12 lead heading into quarter number two. Western got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 16 total points.

Western kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 3:46 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Camille Evans, to increase its lead to 25-16. The Griffons proceeded to tack on one point to that lead and enjoyed a 29-19 advantage heading into halftime. Western dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 13 points close to the basket.

The Griffs continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 5-0 run to expand its lead further to 34-23 with 6:45 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Rattlers had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Griffons still entered the fourth quarter with a 41-33 edge. Western played well near the basket, scoring six of its 12 points in the paint.

The Rattlers proceeded to tie things up at 47-47 before MWSU went on a 5-0 run to seize a 52-47 lead with two seconds to go in the contest, a score which would hold for the rest of the game. Western took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 11 points in the paint.

GAME NOTES

• The Griffons held the Rattlers to only 23.5% shooting from the field.
• The Griffons never trailed after taking a 16-12 first quarter lead.
• The Missouri Western bench made an impact by adding 32 points to its scoring output.
• The Missouri Western defense forced 17 turnovers.
• Western cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
• Ellison led the Griffons with 11 points.
• Western got a game-high 11 rebounds from Connie Clarke.
• MWSU is 4-0 for the first time since 2021.

UP NEXT
The Griffons finish out the St. Mary's Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (3-3) at 2 p.m. back at Bill Greehey Arena. The Javelinas have won three in a row, last defeating Oklahoma Baptist 68-62 on Friday afternoon in the same arena.

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