TOPEKA, Kan. – Griffon Women's Basketball (6–13, 2–8 MIAA) was unable to overcome an explosive first half from Washburn (14–5, 7–3 MIAA) on Friday evening in Topeka, falling 71–55 at Lee Arena.
Early in the first quarter,
Nakiya Harris knocked down a three-pointer to give the Griffons a 9–7 edge at the 5:53 mark. Washburn answered by closing the period on a run to take a 21–14 lead after one.
The Ichabods continued to build momentum in the second quarter, outscoring MoWest 26–10 to extend their advantage to 47–24 at halftime. The Griffons struggled offensively in the opening half, shooting 27.3 percent from the field and going 10-of-19 at the free-throw line.
Meanwhile, Washburn was efficient, knocking down 7-of-12 shots from three-point range and converting all 10 of its free-throw attempts in the first half.
A 15–10 third-quarter advantage and a 10–0 run to start the fourth brought the Griffons within eight at 57–49, but the comeback attempt stalled as MWSU dropped a 71–55 decision.
Mia Morel scored 15 points on 3-of-11 shooting, hitting one three-pointer and going 8-for-10 at the free-throw line, while adding five rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 40 minutes.
Ana Oliveira Dias also finished with 15 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and 1-of-2 from beyond the arc, while contributing three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 37 minutes.
Nakiya Harris added nine points on 4-of-10 shooting, pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out one assists in 35 minutes.
As a team, the Griffons shot 32.7 percent from the field (16-of-49), 23.5 percent from three-point range (4-of-17), and 65.5 percent at the free-throw line (19-of-29).
Washburn shot 40.7 percent from the field (22-of-54), connected on 47.1 percent from three-point range (8-of-17), and went 19-of-22 at the free-throw line for 86.4 percent.
What's Next
Women's Basketball will wrap up their three-game road trip on Saturday, January 31, in the Battle of Highway 71 at Northwest Missouri State, tipping off at 1:30 p.m.
The game will be broadcast live on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen) and available to stream on the MIAA Network.
