Women’s basketball team shuts down Central Missouri
Carol Koenig, sophomore guard, drives down the lane during the Feb. 18 game against Central Missouri State University. The Lions defeated CMSU, 60-54.
The Lions pulled out a close one against the Jennies of Central Missouri State University at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center, 60-54.
The first half at the Feb. 18 game wasn’t as close as the final score indicates. After a 12-0 run within a four minute and five second span, the Lions led at the half, 34-24.
Vonny Wilson, junior forward, said the tight games helped.
“We won all our overtime games this year,” she said. “It gives us a boost.”
Wilson had 10 points for the night.
The Jennies were down 49-34 in the second half had made a 15-2 run to bring the score within three at 51-49. The game grew to be the type the Lions respond to.
“We kind of lulled around and had to pick it up,” Wilson said.
Aubrie Hallman, junior guard, led the Lions with 19 points, and said when it comes to a close game the Lions have to get their energy up.
“The last five minutes was ours, and we did a pretty good job of it,” Hallman said.
The Lions are in a position to be solid in the final minutes.
“Earlier in the year, I would think if anyone would make a run on us, we would panic and shut down,” said Maryann Mitts, head coach.
The Lions looked ready to shut down Wednesday night.
“We played very good in the first half, but looked lackluster in the second half, but we played a lot of basketball,” Mitts said.
“The last four minutes, we did exactly what we were supposed to do.We executed our zone to a ‘T.'”
The Lions host the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats at 1 p.m. Saturday at Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
“I feel really good about our chances [for the rest of the season],” Mitts said.
Southern holds an overall record of 17-7, 8-7 MIAA.
The Bearcats hold an overall record of 19-5, 12-3 MIAA.
The Lions are ranked fifth in the conference and have already clinched a berth in the Sonic/MIAA Championships. NWMSU is tied for second and holds a berth in the championships, they are also ranked 17th in the WBCA/USA Today/ESPN Division II ranking.
The last time the two teams met the Bearcats won, 70-51.
The Bearcats are coming off a lost handed to them by Washburn University, 66-57.
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