OWENSBORO, Ky. — Mission University led by as many as 18 points and carried a nine-point advantage into the final seven minutes, but Brescia University closed the game on a 27-9 run to defeat the Lady Patriots 97-88 in Thursday night's season opener.
Mission led 54-42 at halftime and 70-66 entering the fourth quarter. The Lady Patriots shot 47.1 percent from the field, made 11 three-pointers and recorded 21 assists in the loss.
Lady Patriots Build First-Half Advantage
Mission established control early, taking a 25-18 lead through the opening quarter. Ireland Jones scored 10 first-quarter points, while Tara Masten added seven as the Lady Patriots shot 10-of-21 from the field.
The offense continued to roll during a 29-point second quarter. Mission connected on 11-of-22 shots and made four of its six three-point attempts during the period.
A Miya Nieto three-pointer extended the lead to 47-30 with 4:08 remaining in the half. Capri Garrett then split a pair of free throws to give Mission its largest advantage, 48-30, with 3:50 left.
Brescia closed the half with a 12-6 stretch, but the Lady Patriots still carried a 54-42 lead into the locker room.
Brescia Cuts Into Lead
Brescia opened the third quarter with consecutive baskets before Jones answered with a three-point play and a three-pointer to restore Mission's 12-point advantage.
The Bearcats continued to chip away by attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line. Brescia attempted 16 free throws during the third quarter and outscored Mission 24-16, cutting the Lady Patriots' lead to 70-66 entering the fourth.
Fourth-Quarter Run Decides Opener
Brescia scored the first four points of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 70, but Mission responded.
Masten made two free throws, AJ Person scored inside and Jones connected from three before another pair of Masten free throws gave the Lady Patriots a 79-70 advantage with 6:49 remaining.
The Bearcats answered with an 8-0 run to pull within one. Jones briefly pushed Mission's lead back to 81-78, but Marta Fernandez Campoy tied the game with a three-pointer before Jenna Krampe completed a three-point play to put Brescia ahead 84-81 with 4:16 left.
Brescia extended the lead to seven before baskets from Naomi Daugherty and Gentry Davault kept Mission within five. The Lady Patriots were unable to complete the comeback as the Bearcats sealed the game at the free-throw line.
By the Numbers
Jones led Mission with 29 points, seven assists and five rebounds. She shot 11-of-22 from the field and made five three-pointers.
Masten finished with 19 points, four assists and four steals while going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Daugherty and Nieto added nine points apiece, with Nieto making all three of her attempts from beyond the arc.
Davault contributed six points, six rebounds and five assists in her collegiate debut.
Mission shot 47.1 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three. Brescia finished with a 47-34 rebounding advantage and scored 29 points off Mission's 18 turnovers.
The Bearcats also made 39 of 54 free throws, while Mission went 13-for-19 at the line.
