ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western women's basketball built a 19-point lead in the third quarter and held off Sioux Falls, 79-68, on Friday night at the Central Region Women's Basketball Showcase at Civic Arena in St. Joseph Friday night.
The Griffons (1-0) got down 8-0 in the first four minutes of the game, but turned it around quick to lead 20-17 at the end of the first quarter and then 45-31 by halftime. Missouri Western went up 57-38 with 4:25 to go in the third, but then Sioux Falls (0-1) answered with a 14-0 run to bring it to a 57-52 margin to start the fourth.
Western had a gritty start to the fourth quarter, going on a 5-1 run and eventually leading 65-54 with 7:20 to play. Missouri Western's defense was strong throughout, especially late, as Sioux Falls shot only 2-of-14 from the field in the final 10 minutes. Sioux Falls was held to 31.3% shooting (20-of-64) on the night. The Griffons forced 17 turnovers and scored 15 points off of those.
Offensively, Missouri Western shot 48.4% (31-of-64) from the field, including 8-of-27 from three. Five Griffons finished in double figures.
Tiani Ellison led the way with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting to go with seven rebounds.
Alyssa Bonilla scored 13 points to go with a game-high five assists.
Kassandra Caron came off the bench for 12 points, making four three-pointers in the first half.
Laura Toffali chipped in 11 points to go with three steals.
Jessica Ford added 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Missouri Western dominated points in the paint 44-16, and scored 35 bench points. The Griffons also knocked down 9-of-11 shots from the foul line.
"We had some people really step up," head coach
Ashton Feldhaus said. "We have so many tools, and we're still trying to put it all together. I couldn't be more proud of our kids, to be honest. I'm so happy for them The first one is the hardest, I think, is a good way to put it."
Megan Fannin and Kami Wadsworth each led Sioux Falls with 13 points. The Cougars made 19-of-23 on the free throw line and also outrebounded Western 40-39 overall, including 16-9 on the offensive glass.
Missouri Western is back in action on Saturday night at Civic Arena against Augustana (0-1). Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen) and on the MIAA Network with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m.
Augustana lost to No. 22 Fort Hays State, 78-62, in St. Joseph on Friday as well.
