The Mission University women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the conference Saturday afternoon, battling Williams Baptist (AR) all the way to the final minutes before falling 79–71.
Playing on WBU's senior night, the Patriots showed resilience and composure despite being without leading scorer and assist leader Ireland Jones, who missed her second game this week. Even shorthanded, Mission controlled long stretches of the game and proved they could compete possession-for-possession with one of the conference's top programs.
The Patriots led for much of the first half and were locked in a tight battle throughout the second. With under two minutes to play, the game sat at just a four-point margin. Mission had a clean look at the rim that rolled out, and from there the game shifted into a late foul situation as the Eagles were able to extend the lead at the free throw line.
Miya Nieto delivered one of her strongest performances of the season, pouring in 29 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including five three-pointers. She consistently kept Mission within striking distance, scoring at all three levels and providing a steady offensive presence throughout.
Naomi Daugherty added 14 points, while Tara Masten contributed 12 points and nine rebounds in a strong all-around effort. Ashtyn Callaway chipped in eight points and seven rebounds, helping Mission compete on the glass against a bigger WBU lineup.
Despite the loss, Mission's effort and execution — especially without a key piece — showed the team's growth and toughness down the stretch of conference play.
In the men's contest, Mission fell 111–93 to Williams Baptist in a high-scoring affair.
The Patriots had multiple strong individual performances offensively. Najee Williams led the way with 19 points, while Jamarian Cato added 18 points, knocking down five three-pointers. Marcell Perry finished with 17 points and seven rebounds, and Taco Biggs gave Mission a spark off the bench with 10 points, including two made threes.
Mission shot 42.0% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc, keeping pace offensively for much of the contest. The Patriots generated 32 bench points and were competitive in stretches, but Williams Baptist's 55.3% shooting and advantage on the glass proved difficult to overcome.
Even in defeat, the Patriots showed offensive balance and firepower, placing four players in double figures and continuing to compete late into the second half.
