UNK Women Can't Catch the Lions Again

The Missouri Southern State Lions closed on a big run to defeat Nebraska Kearney, 75-69, Saturday evening in Joplin.

This was the only meeting between the Lions (19-7, 13-4) and Lopers (14-15. 7-11) this year with MSSU having to play its home games in the Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.

The back-and-forth game contest came down to a late run by the Lions that put things away. UNK was up 44-43 after a triple from junior wing Brinly Christensen (Lincoln SW) halfway through the third quarter. That's when Mo So made its move, scoring 17 of the next 19 points to open a double-digit cushion.

The Lopers tried to rally, getting within 72-69 after two free throws from junior forward Jordan Sears (McPherson, Kan.) with 53 seconds left. However, Mo So used one of its 11 offensive rebounds that led to some more free throws.

Lincoln senior point guard Jillian Aschoff (18 points, six boards, three assists) paced the Lopers with Christensen going 4 of 9 from deep to tie her career-best of 16. Finally, Sears went for 14 points on 5 of 12 shooting.

Sophomore guard Grace Frazier (22) and redshirt junior wing Ashlyn Alloway (17) paced the Lions. Both made eight shots apiece with Frazier adding eight assists and post Makenna Yokley at 10 rebounds. Finally, MSSU out shot UNK by 10 points and was plus 12 on the glass.

UNK is nationally ranked for Fort Hays State next Saturday to close the regular season. The Tigers (24-3, 15-3) won overtime today at No. 25 Pittsburg State, 74-71.