WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Griffon Women's Basketball (6–12, 2–7 MIAA) dropped the opening game of its three-game road trip on Wednesday evening, falling 80–71 to Central Missouri (13–5, 7–2 MIAA) at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.
The Jennies opened the game with a strong first quarter, building a 23–12 advantage by the end of the opening period. Central Missouri carried that momentum into the second quarter, stretching its lead to as many as 19 points before a half-court buzzer-beater by
Ana Oliveira Dias trimmed the deficit, sending the teams into halftime with UCM leading 50–34.
The Griffons began their push back at the 3:45 mark of the third quarter, trailing 60–43. MWSU closed the period on a 9–0 run to cut the deficit to 60–52 heading into the fourth.
A layup by Dias brought the Griffons within three early in the final quarter, making it 67–64. Central Missouri, however, sealed the game at the free-throw line, converting 9-of-10 attempts over the final 3:43. Despite the rally, the Griffons ultimately fell 80–71.
Dias led the way with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, adding seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 39 minutes of action.
Mia Morel followed with 17 points, knocking down three triples, while contributing three rebounds, three assists, and a game-high five steals.
Nakiya Harris added 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting to go along with three rebounds and three steals.
Sydney Lewis rounded out the scoring with eight points on a perfect 4-for-4 effort from the field, pulling down six rebounds and recording a block.
MoWest finished the contest shooting 47.3 percent from the floor (26-of-55), hit 50.0 percent from three-point range (8-of-16), and went 11-of-15 at the free-throw line for 73.3 percent.
The Jennies shot 49.1 percent from the field (27-of-55), connected on 30.0 percent from three-point range (9-of-30), and went 17-of-19 at the free-throw line for 89.5 percent.
What's Next
MoWest remains on the road Saturday, Jan. 24, as the Griffons head to Topeka, Kansas, for the second game of the road trip, facing Washburn at 1:00 p.m. at Lee Arena.
