ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Griffon Women's Basketball (10-15, 6-10 MIAA) used a dominant second period to take control and never looked back in an 80-60 win over Arkansas-Fort Smith (4-21, 3-13 MIAA) at the Looney Complex.

The Griffons found themselves down 18-14 at the end of the first quarter but answered in a big way in the second, erupting for 31 points while holding the Lions to just 10 to build a 45-28 halftime advantage. That dominant quarter set the tone, as MWSU pulled away for an 80-60 victory over Arkansas-Fort Smith to open its final homestand.

Mia Morel poured in a game-high 31 points in 35 minutes, knocking down 11-of-27 from the floor and 7-of-13 from beyond the arc while adding two rebounds, five assists, and a steal.

Lindsey Kelderman added 15 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting night — all from three-point range — and pulled down four rebounds.

Nakiya Harris recorded a double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds, going 4-of-4 at the free-throw line while adding two steals and an assist.

MoWest went 25-of-69 (36.2%) from the floor, 15-of-37 (40.5%) from three, and 15-of-19 (78.9%) at the free-throw line.

Arkansas-Fort Smith shot 21-of-68 (30.9%) from the field, 5-of-27 (18.5%) from three-point range, and 13-of-18 (72.2%) at the free-throw line.

What's Next
Griffon Women's Basketball continues its homestand Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. inside the MWSU Fieldhouse, hosting Northeastern State in an MIAA matchup.

Saturday's game will be Senior Day for five Griffon seniors - Meredith Rieker, Mia Morel, Lindsey Kelderman, Ambranette Storr and Tamesha Dozier.