KANSAS CITY, Mo. – No. 7 seed Griffon Women's Basketball (15-15, 9-10 MIAA) knocked off No. 2 seed Fort Hays State (24-5, 15-4 MIAA) 77-68 in overtime Thursday in the MIAA Women's Basketball Quarterfinals.

The teams traded baskets to open the game, with the score sitting at 7-6 in favor of the Griffons early in the period. MoWest then found its rhythm, building an 18-10 advantage at the 3:55 mark following a three-pointer from Mia Morel. FHSU responded late in the quarter, closing the period on an 11-2 run to take a narrow 21-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second period was a low-scoring battle, with FHSU holding a narrow 28-27 lead at the 3:38 mark. The Tigers finished the half on top, stretching the advantage to 35-27.

The Griffons came out firing in the third period, taking a 39-38 lead after a three-pointer from Nakiya Harris. MWSU closed the third quarter ahead 52-49 heading into the fourth period.

MWSU built its largest lead of the game at nine points, going ahead 61-52 with 6:53 remaining. Fort Hays State answered with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit and make it a one-point game.

With 1:31 left, an overturned call gave MWSU the ball back while leading 63-62. The Griffons went to the free throw line and pushed the lead to 65-62. Fort Hays State responded with a three-pointer in the closing seconds to tie the game and force overtime.

MWSU controlled overtime, outscoring FHSU 12-3 to secure the upset over the No. 2 seed Tigers by a final score of 77-68.

Morel led the scoring with 32 points, going 11-of-36 from the field, 4-of-14 from three, and 6-of-6 at the free throw line while adding seven rebounds and five assists.

Ana Oliveira Dias added 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting and seven rebounds.

Lindsey Kelderman finished with 11 points, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, along with five rebounds.

MWSU shot 28-of-81 (34.6%) from the field, 11-of-36 (30.6%) from three-point range, and 10-of-13 (76.9%) from the free throw line.

Fort Hays State shot 25-of-75 (33.3%) from the field, 5-of-30 (16.7%) from three-point range, and 13-of-16 (81.3%) from the free throw line.

What's Next
No. 7 seed Griffon Women's Basketball will meet the winner of No. 3 Washburn vs. No. 6 Pittsburg State in the MIAA Semifinals on Saturday, March 7 at 2:15 p.m.