MSSU women defeat Lincoln 86-75

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team outscored the visiting Lincoln Blue Tigers 51-31 over the second and third quarters and defeated Lincoln 86-75 today inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Southern (10-7, 5-3 MIAA) was led by Deb Holcomb with 29 points on 9-14 from the field and 6-7 from long range. Julianna Wadsworth added 16 points on 6-7 shooting, while Jensen Maydew scored 10. Desirea Buerge had a game-high eight rebounds.

Lincoln (2-13, 1-7 MIAA) was led by 24 points from Azaria Nave.

Both teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter with no team leading by more than three for the first six minutes. The Blue Tigers, however, pushed their lead to six (17-11) with 3:03 left in the quarter, but Southern closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to tie the game at 19.

Southern kept the run going by leading 29-21 after a layup from Buerge with 7:47 left in the quarter moving the Lions' run to 18-4 over that six-minute stretch.

The Blue Tigers answered back and went on a 13-2 run to go up 33-31, but not to be outdone, the Lions answered that run with an 11-2 run of their own to lead 42-35 after a three-point play from Wadworth with a minute left to play in the half. Southern would lead 44-37 heading into the locker room at the break.

The Lions controlled the third quarter, outscoring the Blue Tigers 26-15. With the lead just five (50-45) and 6:19 to go in the quarter, the Lions went on a 13-2 run and led 63-47 with 3:46 to go in the quarter. A jumper and a free throw from Wadsworth would give the Loins a 70-52 lead after three.

Another jumper from Wadsworth pushed the lead to 18 (74-56) and another three from Wadsworth kept the lead at 18 (81-63). Despite Lincoln closing the game on a 12-5 run, the Lions won by double-figures.

The Lions shot 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from long-range making ten threes on the day.

The Lions will be back in action on January 19 when Southern travels to Topeka to take on Washburn University. Tip off from Lee Arena is slated for 5:30 pm.