CLAREMORE, Okla. - Senior Alyssa Bonilla's 20 points helped Missouri Western women's basketball (14-6, 9-3 MIAA) to a 64-51 win over Rogers State (7-15, 1-12 MIAA) on Thursday night at the Claremore Expo Center. MWSU improved to 8-0 all-time over RSU with the victory.
 
The Hillcats started the game strong, going 4-for-4 from the field in a 9-2 run, but the Griffons later responded with a 12-0 run of their own to take a 14-9 lead. The remainder of the opening quarter was a tightly contested battle that concluded with a buzzer-beating layup from junior Kassandra Caron to put the Griffons ahead at 21-19.
 
Missouri Western controlled the second quarter, outshooting Rogers State 14-to-9 and building its lead to as many as nine to take a 35-28 lead into the intermission. Bonilla finished the half with a game-leading 14 points - 12 of her points coming in the first quarter.
 
The Western offense struggled to find its rhythm in the opening minutes of the second half. However, a trip to the line from Bonilla ignited an 8-0 run, allowing the Griffons to extend their lead to 11 points. The Griffons maintained their pace for the remainder of the half, carrying a 47-38 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of action.
 
In the fourth and final quarter, the Griffons, led by Laura Toffali's six points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting, increased their lead to 17 points and ultimately secured the 13-point road victory. Additionally, MWSU grabbed 16 rebounds in the quarter, including four offensive boards.
 
For the seventh time this season, Bonilla reached 20 points after shooting 5-of-13 and converting on 10 of her 12 free-throw attempts. Additionally, the El Paso, Texas, native recorded six steals and six rebounds.
 
Defensively, Western Rogers State outrebounded Rogers State 45-28, which included 12 offensive — the second-most this season. Juniors Marie Sepp and Jaidyn Schomp each led the team with a career-high seven rebounds.
 
The Griffons will return to action this Saturday in Edmond, Oklahoma, to clash with the Central Oklahoma Bronchos. Tip-off from Hamilton Field House is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.