Final Score: Mission University 94, William Woods University 67
Location: William Baptist University (Southerland-Mabee Center) Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – The Lady Patriots played well in the opening round of the American Midwest Conference Tournament as the three seed on opening day. For the second time in less than a week, the Lady Patriots faced off against William Woods University and were victorious. The Lady Pats went inside early, feeding
Heaven Shockley as she had 8 of the team's first 13 points as they led 13-5 with 3:38 remaining. The Lady Owls adjusted on defense, which allowed openings for
Cassidy Hambelton and her inside-outside game as she scored seven points in the first quarter with MU up 21-9. The Lady Patriots did not shoot as well in the second quarter, which was the opening William Woods was waiting for. The Lady Owls outscored Mission 24-18 in the second period to draw within 39-33 by intermission.
Karlie Sampson did give the Lady Patriots a spark off of the bench during the second quarter, however, or the game might have been even closer.
In the third quarter, William Woods quickly cut into the deficit, scoring two buckets 37 seconds into the second half, to trail just 39-37. At that point,
Josie Sullivan came alive with four baskets in the paint to help MU retain a 12 point advantage, 54-42, with 6:03 to go in the third period. Two minutes later, Sampson went on a 5-0 run to push the lead to 61-44 with 4 minutes remaining in the quarter. When the period ended, Mission had moved in front by 20 points, 67-47, with ten minutes to play. If the Lady Owls had any thoughts of a rally, those were quashed in the first 30 seconds of the final period on back-to-back three-pointers by Sullivan. Gradually, the Lady Patriots pulled away and all members of the team saw playing time as MU punched their ticket to the AMC Tournament semifinals, 94-67.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Josie Sullivan led the team in scoring with 24 Points and added a double-double with 11 Rebounds.
- Cassidy Hambelton had a double-double as well with 18 Points and 11 Assists.
- Hambelton also led the team with 5 Steals.
- Other players in double figures: Heaven Shockley 22 and Ireland Jones 11 Points.
UP NEXT
The Lady Patriots continue play in the AMC Tournament in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, on the campus of Williams Baptist University on Saturday, March 1, as they play Columbia College in the semifinals at 1:00 pm.
