The No. 25 and undefeated University of Central Missouri Jennies hosted the Lions of Missouri Southern in a conference game in Warrensburg on Dec. 3. 

The game saw the Lions carry a five-point lead into halftime and hold the Jennies to just 23 percent shooting from the field. 

The second half proved to be different as the Jennies went on a 14-1 run to start the second half. The Lions were unable to find an answer for the Jennies scorers and fell 66-50. 

Athough Southern held the Jennies to a low percentage shooting in the first half, Central managed to shoot over 50 percent from the field in the second half.  With the loss, the Lions dropped to 4-4 overall, and 0-2 in conference play. 

Erin Rice led the team in points against the Jennies as she put up 10, along with six rebounds. 

Teammate Shatara Stone contributed with eight points and three rebounds.    

“We have to eliminate self-afflicted wounds to win games,” Head Coach MaryAnn Mitts said. “We missed 15 layups, missed too many free throws and had too many turnovers. We have to improve on these in order to win games.” 

She also went on to say that her team is getting outplayed physically, especially on the boards, and that playing in such a tough conference, the team needs to get more physical in every game. 

The Lions have nothing but conference games for the remainder of the season, so getting quality wins within the conference is its main focus.

Facing off with the Griffons of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, the Lions were looking to stop their two-game losing streak. 

They started the first half off well, but found themselves down by four going into halftime. 

Southern would come out of the locker room determined to get over the hump and play well in the second half. 

The game would come down to the wire, with the Lions having to make free throws to capture a win. 

With limited time left and Western in foul trouble, Southern would sink their free throws en route to the victory. 

Rice again carried the team, putting up 21 point, six rebounds and an assist. Tatianna Washington helped in the win by contributing 12 points, while dishing out three assists.

 “There are no easy wins in this conference, and the grind of the tough conference schedule may wear down on young players,” Mitts said.

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow when the play host to Lincoln University, a 1 p.m. tipoff.