SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Mission University Lady Patriots couldn't sustain an early surge Saturday afternoon, as Williams Baptist pulled away for an 86–54 conference victory inside W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse. Mission fell to 7–10 overall and 3–4 in conference play, while the Lady Eagles improved to 12–3 on the season and 6–1 in conference action.
Pregame
Mission entered the home conference matchup looking to bounce back after a 83–54 road loss at Columbia College, sitting at 7–9 overall and 3–3 in conference play. Williams Baptist arrived as one of the conference's top teams at 11–3 overall and 5–1 in conference play, coming off an 84–76 win over Harris-Stowe.
The game marked another test for the Lady Patriots against a physical, fast-paced Williams Baptist squad that had multiple double-digit scorers and strong perimeter pressure.
Game Summary
Mission came out aggressive on both ends. Naomi Daugherty opened the scoring with two free throws, and Tara Masten followed with a jumper off an Ireland Jones assist to give the Patriots an early spark. Jones knocked down a three at the 6:30 mark, and Mission built momentum behind transition defense and offensive rebounding.
Jayla Kirksey and Miya Nieto added baskets inside, and Jones capped the quarter with a jumper and free throw to help Mission take a slim 21–20 edge late. Williams Baptist closed the final seconds with a bucket from Cha'Myrean Ellis, sending the Lady Eagles into the second quarter up 22–21.
The game shifted in the second quarter. Williams Baptist opened with a Joi Montgomery three and went on a steady run fueled by pressure defense and second-chance opportunities. The Lady Eagles stretched the margin to double digits midway through the period behind scoring from Sara Crowe and Ellis.
Kayla Howell briefly stopped the run with a three at the 5:22 mark, but Williams Baptist answered with back-to-back buckets and a late surge. A Chelsea Hamilton three in the final seconds pushed the lead to 47–29 at halftime, putting Mission in a hole heading into the break.
Williams Baptist kept control coming out of halftime. Ellis scored twice early, and Taylor Hooten added a three to extend the advantage past 30. Mission tried to respond with baskets from Daugherty, Ashtyn Callaway, and free throws by Jones, but turnovers and missed perimeter looks slowed any momentum.
The Lady Eagles closed the third quarter on another run, taking a commanding 71–36 lead after three.
In the fourth, Mission continued to compete. Nieto hit a three at the 6:44 mark, Howell followed with another triple, and Jones added free throws as the Patriots attempted to chip away. Lauren Carson provided energy late with a basket and two free throws, and Alyssa Burch added points at the line.
Despite the late effort, Williams Baptist maintained control throughout the final period and closed out the 86–54 conference win.
Stat Leaders
Ireland Jones: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
Miya Nieto: 7 points, 2 rebounds
Lauren Carson: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block
Tara Masten: 5 points, 2 rebounds
Naomi Daugherty: 5 points, 5 rebounds
Postgame
Mission showed energy early but struggled to find consistency against Williams Baptist's pressure defense and interior presence. The Patriots were held to 28.6 percent shooting from the field and 16.0 percent from three, while committing 25 turnovers that turned into extended scoring runs for the Lady Eagles.
Despite the final margin, the Lady Patriots continued to battle, with Jones orchestrating the offense and Carson, Howell, and Nieto providing late sparks.
Next Up
Mission returns to W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse for another conference matchup, hosting Cottey College on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m. as the Lady Patriots look to rebound and defend home court.
