Coming off the road with a two game losing streak, the Lions won a tough one at home by defeating the University of Missouri-Rolla Lady Miners 56-54 in front of 1,200 fans attending the game.

Early in the game it was tied at 22, and the Lions led at half, 26-25.

“We were lucky to get out with a win,” said Maryann Mitts, women’s basketball head coach.

The Lady Miners are 4-14, 0-9 in the MIAA and Southern did not take them for granted.

“Most teams take Rolla for granted because of their record,” said Wyketha Harrell, senior forward.

Harrell said Southern knew it had to play hard.

The Lions are 12-6, 3-6 in the MIAA. They shot 23-52 from the floor with 4-6 three pointers and 32 rebounds.

“We played flatfooted and sluggish at times,” Mitts said. “Wyketha stepped it up for us.”

“I went in thinking to lead by example in play,” Harrell said. “I wanted to be physical.”

“Energy and emotion count for a lot in anything you do in life,” Mitts said.

The Lions used a 9-0 run in the second half to lead UMR by 15 points.

In the last 3:58,the Lady Miners outscored the Lions 12-1 but was unable to overcome Southern’s lead.

Harrell was 6-11 with 4 rebounds. She is currently ranked 11th in the MIAA in rebounding with 6.2 rebounds per game. Harrell is tied for 15th in scoring 11.9 points per game.

Harrell made her 11th double-double of her three-year collegiate career at the Jan. 10 game against Northwest Missouri State University with 14 points and 12 rebounds. She has made seven double-doubles in her last 23 outings. As a team the Lions are out rebounding by their opponents by5.8 rebounds per game.

Aubrie Hallman, junior guard has had four 20-plus point performances this season. Hallman was four points shy of making 20.

Next up for the Lions is Truman State University at1 p.m. Saturday at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.