ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western women's basketball (16-7, 11-4 MIAA) scored 45 second half points and never trailed in a 77-67 win over Missouri Southern on Saturday at MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.

With 1,056 fans in attendance on St. Joseph Appreciation Day, the Griffons jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first 1:29 of the game, and never looked back. MWSU took a 32-25 lead into the halftime locker room and led 54-40 with 1:17 left in the third.

Missouri Southern (16-11, 8-7 MIAA) didn't go quietly, as the Lions went on a 14-3 run to get to within 57-54 with 6:18 remaining. The Griffons found their stroke again, scoring 23 fourth quarter points and leading 71-60 with 2:51 to go.

Alyssa Bonilla led the way with a game-high 21 points, shooting 4-of-9 from three. She also had six assists and three steals. Laura Toffali logged a career-best 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go with a team-best eight rebounds and four steals.

Marie Sepp contributed 15 points to go with seven assists, three steals and three boards. Matilda Soderlund came off the bench to score 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from long range.

Mackenzie Hart led Southern with 17 points - all in the second half. Grace Frazier had 16.

MWSU shot 28-of-61 (45.9%) from the field, including 11-of-30 from three. The Griffs were also 10-of-13 on the free throw line. Western doled out 21 assists to 13 turnovers and won points in the paint, 32-20.

Missouri Western is back on the road this coming Thursday to face Arkansas-Fort Smith (15-9, 9-6 MIAA). Tip-off from the UAFS Stubblefield Center is set for 5:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen).